Berger Paints Bangladesh and Chugoku Marine Paints of Japan have teamed up to offer high performance marine coatings and related industrial paints to Bangladeshi customers.

The products include universal high build epoxy primers, epoxy tie coats, synthetic resin-based single component tie coats, hydrolysis type and self-polishing type antifouling, epoxy topcoat, alkyd topcoat, polyurethane topcoat, high build alkyd primer and high heat resistant paint.

The advanced paints were originally formulated and developed by the Japanese company and certified by world-renowned standards authorities. Berger will be the licensed manufacturer.

Local manufacturers of vessels of all types can now use these to ensure superior coatings for long-lasting protection and longevity of their products, according to a statement.

The local shipbuilding industry will also benefit from the associated decrease in lead time, increasing operational efficiency and lowering import expenses and hassles.

The product quality will be ensured by both Berger and Chugoku through extensive checks and thorough supervision, it added

"There is a huge market of marine paints of around Tk 200 crore in Bangladesh," said AKM Sadeque Nawaj, Berger's general manager for marketing.

"Berger envisions a self-sufficient market, where the lesser dependency on imports would ensure better and more profitable business outcomes for our clients," he said.

"We are optimistic that the partnership…will greatly benefit local industries and generate employment opportunities," he added.