AkzoNobel debuts Chartek 2218E for shop-applied steel protection in Abu Dhabi

Chartek 2218E launch announced at ADIPEC 2025

AkzoNobel said its protective coatings brand International has launched Chartek 2218E at ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November, located at stand 15038.

The company described the product as the next generation of its epoxy passive fire protection solution within the Chartek range.

It said the new coating builds on more than 50 years of development in the portfolio.

International stated that the product focuses on enhanced performance and efficiency while maintaining established protection characteristics.

Single-coat, two-hour pool fire rating

According to the company, Chartek 2218E achieves a two-hour hydrocarbon pool fire rating in a single-coat application over Charlok mesh.

International said the coating is designed for shop-applied steel.

It is a patented boron-free epoxy intumescent, the firm added.

UL1709 thickness and weight claims

AkzoNobel said Chartek 2218E offers the lowest UL1709-certified thickness and weight in the industry for a W10x49 steel section.

The manufacturer linked these characteristics to installation efficiency on qualifying projects.

It positioned the product for large two-hour pool fire use cases in oil and gas assets.

Application efficiency and project impact

International stated that a streamlined application process enables faster project turnaround, lower energy consumption and reduced risk of delays.

The company said the coating can deliver up to 50% fewer application hours, up to 25% savings in shop-applied costs and up to a 25% reduction in material use.

It said these factors are intended to support both fabricators and applicators.

According to AkzoNobel, fewer hours, reduced material use and high durability can also lower maintenance costs.

The firm added that these benefits align with its aim to cut emissions by 50% across its value chain.

Durability, weathering and certification details

International said Chartek 2218E is part of a range with field-proven technology platforms.

The company stated that the product has been tested against ASTM D5894 and certified to UL2431 without a prescribed topcoat.

It added that this provides fire performance after weathering and allows a cosmetic topcoat to be specified without affecting long-term performance.

The firm said this combination is intended to give operators confidence that assets remain protected across the lifecycle.

Quotes from AkzoNobel representatives

Robin Wade, Global Fire Protection Manager at AkzoNobel, said: “Chartek 2218E represents the latest innovation in passive fire protection for the large two-hour pool fire market, which is critical for many oil and gas assets.

“It reflects our continued commitment to investing in innovation and sustainability in structural fire protection.

“Chartek 2218E can be applied in a single coat with Charlok mesh, maximizing productivity without compromising robustness and durability.

“Its patented polysiloxane-modified epoxy technology means steelwork can be stacked with minimal damage, enhancing throughput and overall fire efficiency.”

Andy Holt, Business Development Manager of AkzoNobel’s Middle East division, said: “Feedback from customers highlights that productivity and workshop efficiency remain some of the biggest challenges in oil and gas construction, and that’s exactly where Chartek 2218E delivers.

“Early demonstrations have been met with strong confidence from applicators and fabricators alike, who see the benefits first-hand in speed, consistency and ease of application.

“Maintaining that close collaboration with our customers is what drives continuous improvement and long-term trust.”

Visitor access and regional availability

According to the company, visitors to the ADIPEC stand can view product samples and speak with subject matter experts.

International said a dinner event on 5 November will include a presentation on Chartek 2218E efficiency and project value.

AkzoNobel stated the product will be available across the Middle East, South Asia and Australasia from November following the launch.

The firm said further regional rollouts are planned and that customers can contact local sales representatives for availability details.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Procurement officers and equipment specifiers can assess a single-coat approach that the company says achieves a two-hour hydrocarbon pool fire rating over Charlok mesh.

Oil and gas safety officers and fire engineering consultants may examine the claim of lowest UL1709-certified thickness and weight for a W10x49 section, alongside stated savings in application hours and material use.

Fabricators and applicators can review the stated reductions of up to 50% in application hours, up to 25% in shop-applied costs and up to 25% in material use for planning and throughput.

Standards and certification bodies may note testing to ASTM D5894 and certification to UL2431 without a prescribed topcoat, which the company says maintains fire performance after weathering.