In July 2025, ExxonMobil’s next-generation Proxxima resin system-based coating — supplied by Advanced Polymer Coatings — was applied to the cargo tanks of the Sinokor-leased vessel Morning Glory at Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Ltd. in Shenzhen, China.

This milestone showcases Proxxima technology’s potential to redefine efficiency and performance for corrosion protection in the marine industry.

For shipowners and operators, every additional day spent in dry dock results in substantial lost revenue opportunity, typically estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars per day. With global fleets seeking ways to enhance efficiency, maximize revenue, and extend asset lifespans, the need for an improved coating solution is clear.

Enter Proxxima resin systems, ExxonMobil’s breakthrough formulation component for protective coatings. Unlike traditional three-step coating services, Proxxima system-based formulations are engineered for superior marine liner protection with a single-step application, dramatically reducing application complexity. Key features include:

• One-step application at a film thickness of 400-500 microns (vs. 150 microns per coat in standard service)
• Fast “dry-to-touch” performance, achieving cure in just 2 hours—six times faster than conventional coatings (epoxy-based coatings often require 12 hours or more for each layer)
• 75% lower VOC emissions (vs. traditional epoxy-based coatings) upon application (potential for solvent-free formulation)
• Application flexibility, with viscosity and pot-life suitable for conventional airless spray equipment.

“We chose the Proxxima system-based coating for Morning Glory to enhance performance and longevity in the most cost-effective way,” said Tomy Wu, Commercial Department Head, Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Limited. “The application delivered significant benefits, reducing the time to apply the coating by over 50%, enhancing revenue opportunities by reducing dry dock time, and greatly improving labor efficiency with its one-step application and rapid cure. We believe this technology is ready to transform ship maintenance across the global shipping fleet.”

ExxonMobil Freight Trading currently has 17 tankers on a 10-year charter with Sinkor, reflecting a robust and enduring relationship. The Morning Glory demonstration marks a new collaborative milestone as Sinokor became the first owner under ExxonMobil charter to adopt the Proxxima coating solution on a product tanker.

The project completed the protective coating of approximately 3,000 square meters across two cargo tanks in under 4 days (after preparation and blasting). This result translates to a >50% reduction in coating service time. The Morning Glory returned to service with a high-gloss, smooth finish and minimal disruptions, validating Proxxima technology’s real-world performance..

For operators, this innovation results in fewer operational interruptions, lower costs, and higher revenue potential. The value of faster return-to-service, including costs savings and revenue opportunity, is estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars per day for a typical vessel. For shipyards and applicators, this solution results in reduced complexity, smoother project execution and potential to service more vessels with existing capacity. .

The success of the Morning Glory pilot is already shaping plans for broader deployment of Proxxima system-based coating formulations across ExxonMobil’s managed fleets. Looking ahead, the company is building on these results through new collaborations, expanded pilots and a strategic vision to make best-in-class protection and efficiency the norm throughout the marine industry.

To learn more about Advanced Polymer Coatings and its high-performance coating systems, please visit https://www.adv-polymer.com.