AkzoNobel launches Chartek ONE passive fire protection in Europe
Iain Hoey
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Global launch at GasTech 2025
AkzoNobel has reported that its protective coatings brand International has introduced Chartek ONE, an epoxy-based passive fire protection system, to the European market following its presentation at GasTech 2025 in Milan.
The company said the system was launched globally after an initial introduction in the Middle East in 2024.
According to AkzoNobel, Chartek ONE provides a single-coat, mesh-free solution that simplifies passive fire protection applications for energy sector assets.
It explained that the product offers protection against multiple fire scenarios, including hydrocarbon and cryogenic fires, and is designed to support operational safety while improving installation efficiency.
The manufacturer stated that the coating provides up to three hours of resistance against jet and pool fires across a wide temperature range.
Product design and performance
AkzoNobel reported that Chartek ONE is formulated as a 100 per cent solids product without boron or chlorinated plasticisers.
It said this approach reduces occupational risks during application while also addressing environmental impact concerns.
The company explained that the mesh-free structure removes the need for reinforcement in hydrocarbon pool and jet fire protection, including high heat flux jet fires.
It added that this design feature speeds up application, reduces installed weight and lowers labour and material costs without compromising fire protection standards.
According to the manufacturer, these qualities are particularly relevant in sectors where strict weight restrictions apply, such as offshore oil and gas.
Efficiency gains for projects
AkzoNobel advised that the system is designed to simplify demanding projects by reducing the number of hours required during fabrication and installation.
The company said this can lower workshop time by up to 59 per cent, creating cost savings throughout both construction and operational phases.
It noted that the combination of reduced installation complexity and long-term durability makes the system suitable for a wide range of projects in the energy sector.
The group added that customer demonstrations in live spray trials had shown strong results during the initial launch.
Testing and certification
According to AkzoNobel, Chartek ONE meets multiple international standards, including NORSOK M-501 Revision 7, ISO 21843, ISO 22899 and UL1709 Edition 5.
The company reported that the system was tested in conditions that exceed standard certification requirements, including jet fire exposure, external weathering on loaded beams and termination detailing.
It said these tests were selected to reflect the scenarios where passive fire protection systems are most likely to fail.
The manufacturer explained that the extended testing process was intended to demonstrate both laboratory and field performance.
It added that this provides assurance to operators across the energy sector.
Industry positioning
AkzoNobel highlighted that the launch took place at GasTech 2025 in Milan, an international event for the energy industry.
The company said this was chosen as a platform due to the relevance of the event to liquefied natural gas, hydrogen and carbon capture developments.
Robin Wade, Fire Protection Technical Lead at AkzoNobel, said: “Our initial launch of Chartek ONE in the Middle East created strong momentum, with customers able to witness the product in action during live spray trials.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive, with feedback highlighting the speed at which the system builds to the required thickness, the ease of application, and the durability of the cured coating.
“Its mesh-free design was particularly well received, offering faster application and fewer complications, delivering exactly what the industry has been asking for.
“Our global launch of Chartek ONE at Gastech in Milan marks an important milestone, bringing our flagship solution to one of the most influential stages for the energy sector.
“As the industry accelerates toward LNG, hydrogen and carbon capture, this is the natural platform to demonstrate the value our product can deliver.
“In every case, the principle behind Chartek ONE is clear. Never compromise.”
Sustainability considerations
AkzoNobel reported that it has ranked first among industry peers in independent sustainability indices such as Sustainalytics.
The company said it is also placed in the top one per cent of companies globally by EcoVadis.
It explained that these external rankings reflect the firm’s approach to product development, where environmental impacts are considered throughout the lifecycle.
It added that Chartek ONE was developed with this process in mind, offering users confidence in both safety and sustainability performance.
According to the manufacturer, the system is now available for purchase across Europe.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The launch of Chartek ONE in Europe provides fire safety professionals with details of a passive fire protection system designed to address both performance and installation challenges.
The system’s compliance with multiple international standards offers a benchmark for evaluating similar solutions within the sector.
The emphasis on weight reduction and simplified installation may inform future project planning, particularly for offshore environments.
The sustainability reporting attached to the development also highlights the increasing importance of environmental considerations in passive fire protection.
AkzoNobel launches Chartek ONE passive fire protection in Europe: Summary
AkzoNobel has launched Chartek ONE passive fire protection in Europe.
The company announced the launch at GasTech 2025 in Milan.
Chartek ONE was previously introduced in the Middle East in 2024.
The product is a single-coat, mesh-free epoxy solution.
It provides three hours of jet and pool fire resistance.
It protects against hydrocarbon and cryogenic fires.
The system reduces installed weight and simplifies application.
It can cut workshop time by up to 59 per cent.
It is certified to NORSOK, ISO and UL standards.
It was tested in scenarios beyond standard requirements.
Robin Wade of AkzoNobel said the response to trials was positive.
The launch at GasTech targeted LNG, hydrogen and carbon capture sectors.
AkzoNobel ranks highly in global sustainability indices.
Chartek ONE is now available across European markets.