Speaker programme announced at International Superyacht Coatings Conference

Two weeks ahead of the International Superyacht Coatings Conference (ISCC), the speaker programme for the two day event has been announced. 24 leading industry professionals will share experiences to delegates around the world at the business-to-business event at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Conference Centre in association with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss).

The issue of superyacht coatings is a major challenge and ISCC 2014 is an excellent chance to share knowledge and expertise on processes and legislation. Moreover, the conference is a highly interactive event and will provide opportunities to influence future decisions on issues facing the coating industry. Among the companies registered to attend is Royal Huisman, AzimutBenetti Group, Proteksan Turquoise Yachts and Horizon Yachts.

This years keynote speaker will be Tom de Vries, Managing Director, De Vries Groep (Feadship), who is also chair of the SYBAss Coatings Working Group. Franc Jansen, director at Hill Robinson Yacht Management, will speak on measuring the quality of coatings, while Joop Ellenbroek, managing director of Ellenbroek Coating Solutions, will cover three main topics: inspection and assessment qualifications, surface preparations and coating system maintenance.

Ken Hickling, Global Superyacht Business Development Manager at AkzoNobel will also speak on the coatings aspects of yacht management, with an emphasis on contracting and delivery. He comments, “Achieving an alignment between what the owner and operator wants from a painting project, and what the project team are planning to deliver, is an activity that cannot be added in later. It is fundamental to ensuring success. All parties have a role to play in early collaboration in order to achieve a common vision. The outcome always pays dividends in the longer term so the issue is how to make this happen more often.”

In addition to the event this year, the ISCC has arranged a unique canal cruise social event which is included in the delegate fee. ISCC 2014 will be held from Thursday 11 December to Friday 12 December.

By Gemma Fottles

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