Embarking upon a nautical theme, Akzo Nobel Woodcare has supplied its Sikkens range of opaque coatings to Her Majesties Naval Base in Portsmouth, to assist in the maintenance of Nelson’s famous flagship, HMS Victory.  The 18th century vessel currently stands in dry dock at Portsmouth, and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

The 100-gun First Rate ship was designed by Sir Thomas Slade and made its maiden voyage in 1778. Following an illustrious career, it wasn’t until 1805 that she claimed her place in the history books when under the captaincy of Admiral Horatio Nelson, the British Fleet and HMS Victory was involved in the famous Battle of Trafalgar.

HMS Victory was withdrawn from active service in 1812 and served in numerous roles at Portsmouth, when in 1922, she was given a permanent home in Number 2 Dry Dock, the second oldest dry dock in Portsmouth Naval Base.  Since then, a rolling maintenance programme has been essential to ensure that this historic vessel remains in the same excellent condition for a further 200 years.

The specification of Sikkens coating systems in conjunction with Sikkens repair products, on a frequent planed maintenance programme, ensures that the ship’s structure is consistently and continuously protected.  The Sikkens Componex repair system is designed to fill structural defects and ensures that timber repairs are carried out efficiently, while a finish of Rubbol provides an extensible and durable finish which is an essential consideration given the nautical location. The Sikkens range of Rubbol opaques were chosen primarily for their special formulation, which offers the characteristics of moisture vapour permeability and extensibility for increased climate resistance. Sikkens Rubbol Satura is used extensibly on the ships exposed surfaces, and dries to a satin sheen whilst ensuring ease of maintenance.

HMS Victory is currently undergoing an intense restoration, intended to renovate her to her original condition during the Trafalgar conflict, in time for the landmark bicentennial celebrations in 2005.  With Sikkens at the helm we can look forward to many more years of this important piece of British history.