In March 2021 Norner received certificates recognizing the approval in accordance with both IMO Resolution IMO MSC.215(82) and IMO MSC.288(87) for our Marine coating testing. This is an essential quality standard for test laboratories internationally.

Norner has developed a leading position in third party test services for protective coatings and invested in modern laboratory test facilities. We experience an increasing need for test services for coatings and strive to offer a complete range of relevant tests for our clients. This new achievement is a big step to reach this ambitious goal.

Norner is, with this approval, an independent testing institute accredited for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Performance Standards for Protective Coatings (PSPC) test standards.

The relevant standards are IMO Resolution MSC.215 (82) for Seawater Ballast Tanks and IMO Resolution MSC.288 (87) for Cargo Oil Tanks. Norner is now accredited by Lloyd’s Register to perform both of these tests. A Lloyd’s approval proves that our lab is technically leading in quality management and competence. We also have an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation within protective coating.

Seawater Ballast Tanks

This approval includes qualification testing of protective coatings in accordance with resolution MSC.215 (82), annex 1. The test used in this specification is based on simulation of conditions that occurs inside a ballast tank, filled with seawater. The protective coatings are exposed to different parameters such as temperature cycles, dry-wet conditions, and cathodic protection. To achieve this complex environment a wave tank has been constructed.

Test panels will, when they are installed in tanks, be exposed to similar conditions that occurs in in a real-life ballast tank, including continuous splashing of seawater.

After 180 days the protective coatings will be examined for corrosion, adhesion and cathodic disbondment properties. The ballast testing also includes a condense test. Test panels are placed in a chamber where they are exposed to water condense. The panels are visually examined after 180 days.

Crude Oil Cargo Tanks

This approval includes qualification testing in accordance with annex 1 in resolution MSC.288(87). The tests in this standard are designed to simulate the two main environmental conditions to which the crude oil cargo tank coating will be exposed, both in the vapour phase and in the liquid phase in a loaded condition. In the vapour test, test panels with protective coating are exposed in a gas tight chamber. The gas inside of the chamber is a standardized gas composition, based on the vapour phase in a crude oil tank. The panels are exposed to the gas at fixed temperature and examined for damages after 90 days exposure time.

To test the resistance to crude oil, the test panels applied with protective coatings are immersed in a standardized test liquid. Crude oil is a complex mixture of chemical materials that can vary in composition over time. To overcome this, a standardized liquid is used to simulate crude oil. The formulation is given in the IMO resolution. The panels are immersed at fixed temperature and examined for damages after 180 days exposure time. Since both methods involve hazardous materials, such as H2S, a very high HSE focus is a necessity when performing such tests.

Full range of coating tests

This latest certification from Lloyd’s will give Norner the ability to serve our clients with a complete range of coating tests which is appreciated.

“We continuously develop our laboratory services through investments and quality management to satisfy our demanding customers. It is very rewarding for us to achieve this Lloyd’s certification and it confirms that we are focusing on the right area,» says Henning Baann, Business Director in Norner.

According to Lloyd’s list of approved institutes, Norner is one of few institutes in Europe approved for this type of testing. We intend to strengthen our position in this area and have plans for further expansion in personnel and equipment. A new state of the art development and laboratory facility is currently being built and will be ready in January 2022. The coating lab will be an essential part of this new building, and further expansion is secured through this investment.

Norner offers both 3rd party testing and pre-qualification testing of protective coating within different applications. Our wide range of methods cover cathodic disbonding, corrosion, immersion, and UV testing as well as climate exposure procedures and various physical properties. Typical standards are ISO 12944-6, ISO 12944-9 and Norsok M-501. These standards include ISO 15711: Determination of resistance to Cathodic disbonding, ISO 6270: Determination of resistance to humidity, ISO 11997: Resistance to cyclic corrosion and ISO 9227: Corrosion test in artificial atmospheres. All these standards are covered by our ISO 17025 accreditation.

Contact us and receive more information.