ONBOARD EVALUATION LEADS WAN HAI TO SELECT EVERCOOL FOR CREW COMFORT
THE CASE STORY
Nippon Paint Marine’s EVERCOOL coating has helped WAN HAI Lines, the Taiwan-based shipowner, to keep its seafarers cool as they operate in low-latitudes, confirming its effectiveness with operational results.
Extreme heat exposure is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for container vessels as they work under strong sunlight. Especially in low-latitudes, decks can be prone to significant temperature increases.
On deck, elevated surface temperatures can create tougher working conditions for crews as the heat load of deck areas and adjacent spaces increases.
Depending on vessel layout and operating conditions, raised temperatures will also increase the operational burden of cooling in key working areas such as the navigation bridge.
WAN HAI approached Nippon Paint Marine to find a practical solution to address these challenges and be effective for real operating profiles. We recommended EVERCOOL, a high-heat shield paint based on a polyurethane resin. Special pigment in the coating reduces heat absorption, controlling surface temperature rises and stabilizing the deck environment under direct sunlight exposure.
WAN HAI evaluated EVERCOOL beginning with an onboard pilot application in 2024 and supported by onboard guidance and measurement procedures designed to ensure consistent evaluation.
Following the pilot test and verification of performance in real service conditions, WAN HAI proceeded began to roll out EVERCOOL on its vessels from January 2025. A step-by-step approach allowed WAN HAI to evaluate the performance of the coating on actual operating profiles. The influence of this information on coating selection secured practical, lasting results for WAN HAI.
Onboard experience indicated clear benefits during voyages in low-latitude regions under direct sunlight. WAN HAI commented: “After applying EVERCOOL, when sailing in low-latitude regions under direct sunlight, crews were able to feel the improved cooling effect and could reduce the manual air-conditioning activation frequency in the navigation bridge.”
Since January 2025, EVERCOOL has been the prescribed deck coating choice for WAN HAI’s 125 vessel container fleet. The coating selection supports WAN HAI’s continued focus on operational sustainability, crew welfare, and long-term fleet performance. Nippon Paint Marine will continue collaborating with WAN HAI as a trusted innovation partner, striving to deliver even better solutions going forward.
