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Steelpaint Returns to India with Chennai Port Coating Project
Germany’s Steelpaint has delivered its Stelcatec corrosion-resistant coating system for a trial application involving a series of cranes at the Port of Chennai, marking the company’s return to the Indian market after more than 16 years.
The German manufacturer, recognised for its high-performance protective coatings supplied to ports and shipyards across Europe, confirmed that its Stelcatec LPR primer and Stelcatec LTC topcoat have been shipped to India for use on rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) and ship-to-shore cranes.
Steelpaint’s coatings have already demonstrated proven performance in European ports, including Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven, where durability against harsh marine conditions is a critical requirement. The Stelcatec system, designed to combine ease of application with strong corrosion resistance, has been adopted by terminal operators seeking to extend maintenance cycles and reduce long-term costs.
India’s growing port sector is now targeting similar benefits, as operators contend with extreme conditions of salinity, heat and humidity that accelerate steel structure degradation. For shipowners and terminal operators, maintaining equipment reliability is essential to ensuring operational schedules remain on track.
Nishanth Maliyekkal, CEO of Steelpaint’s local representative Kaptel, said: “India is investing heavily in its maritime sector, with new projects such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport and a $1 trillion infrastructure roadmap that will transform port operations nationwide. The government’s Indian Ports Bill, 2025 has also reinforced the sector’s focus on modernisation and sustainability. As such, we see strong potential for Steelpaint in India as its coatings technology not only improves asset durability and availability but can withstand the toughest maritime conditions.”
