Ascentra’s launch makes a splash at Boat Show 2016

Alan Koh made a technical presentation to launch Ascentra Oceanic Corporation Ltd. at the Boat Show 2016. The Boat Show, the largest in Asia and the main event representing the boating and yachting fraternity of Sri Lanka, was held from 13 to 15 October at Dikkowita Fishery Harbour. 

He spoke of the harsh environmental conditions yachts endure demanding high levels of protection and performance from yacht coatings. In addition yacht paints must prevent fouling, a major concern. “Fouling is marine flora and fauna growing on the hull underwater. In tropical waters rich in diversity, fouling causes up to 40% rise in fuel usage and greater engine wear and tear,” explained Koh.

Ascentra is the official distributor in Sri Lanka for Awl Grip & International Yacht Paints – brands owned by Akzonobel, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Gunatilaka learned his ropes working for Akzonobel Marine Paints for 10 years, gaining intimate knowledge of products and markets as Regional Manager Sri Lanka/Maldives.

Apart from being a passion and a sport, yachting has always gone with luxury and glamour. The standards expected of any product are undeniably high. “The paint’s finish must match its superior performance and excellent protective qualities. Not only must it be tough and resilient, it must remain pristinely beautiful, retaining its lustre and reflecting the yacht’s polished, sophisticated manner and personality,” said Gunatilaka describing the weight of expectation placed upon yacht coatings.

The official launch of Ascentra Oceanic Corporation Ltd. at Asia’s largest boat show introduced a new range of premium quality yacht paints to the small but passionate yachting and boating fraternity of Sri Lanka. The boat show, held from 13 to 15 October at Dikkowita Fishery harbour, attracted industry leaders, yacht and boat owners, agents and enthusiasts.

Ascentra Oceanic Corporation is the official distributor in Sri Lanka for Awl Grip & International Yacht Paints – yacht paint brands owned by Akzonobel, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, who in 2008 acquired Imperial Chemical Industries, UK (ICI). 

ICI is best known in Sri Lanka for its brand Dulux. For much of its history Imperial Chemical Industries, formed in 1926 was the largest manufacturer in Britain.

Presenting the new yacht paint range veteran boat builder and technical specialist Alan Koh of Singapore addressed the exclusive audience. Koh took a technical approach to describe qualities desired stressing on the added burden yacht paints bear that other paints –even other marine paints- don’t.

He spoke of the harsh environmental conditions yachts endure demanding high levels of protection and performance from yacht coatings. In addition yacht paints must prevent fouling, a major concern. “Fouling is marine flora & fauna growing on the hull underwater. In tropical waters rich in diversity, fouling causes up to 40% rise in fuel usage and greater engine wear and tear,” explained Koh.  

Unlike commercial ships and crafts, yachting is more of a life style. To many enthusiasts, it is more than a hobby; it is an all-consuming obsession. To them, owning and taking care of a yacht is not a chore; it’s a labour of love. 

Apart from being a passion and a sport, yachting has always gone with luxury and glamour. The standards expected of any product are undeniably high. “The paint’s finish must match its superior performance and excellent protective qualities. Not only must it be tough and resilient, it must remain pristinely beautiful, retaining its lustre and reflecting the yacht’s polished, sophisticated manner and personality,” said Ascentra Oceanic Corporation Ltd. Managing Director Isuru Gunatilaka, describing the weight of expectation placed upon yacht coatings.

Gunatilaka learned his ropes working for Akzonobel Marine Paints for 10 years, gaining intimate knowledge of products and markets as Regional Manager Sri Lanka/Maldives.

Introducing Awl Grip as the biggest name in premium yacht coatings, he spoke of the brand’s featured line of ultra-high performing linear polyurethane topcoats-including sporty metallics, clear coats, epoxy fillers and primers now available in Sri Lanka in a choice of finish, colour and special effects.

International Yacht Paints, he said, is renowned for primers, fillers and antifouling solutions for steel, aluminium, fibreglass, carbon fibre and timber surfaces. 

Jean Jacques Lavigne, newly appointed Area Sales Manager – North and South East Asia, for International Yacht Paints, Singapore visited the boat show on his first official visit abroad. “Yachts are not new to Sri Lanka, from historical travellers to the new super yachts and even giga yachts such as the ‘MV Queen Miri’ and the ‘Lauren L’ call at Sri Lankan ports. There are many yacht clubs and beautiful yachts in Sri Lanka. The upcoming marinas will attract both local and international yachts. I can see Sri Lanka is fast growing in yachting and leisure boats and I believe Sri Lanka is the ideal location for an international hub,” he remarked.