During ADIPEC 2025, Robin Wade, Fire Protection and Technical Lead at AkzoNobel, representing International® protective coatings, shared his perspective on the pressures shaping modern passive fire protection in the oil and gas sector.

The interview, hosted by Energy Connect, provides a platform for this discussion and frames the conversation around emerging project demands. Speaking about the development of Chartek ® 2218E, he highlighted the industry’s growing need for solutions that are both effective and efficient.

Watch the full interview

Interview with Robin Wade, Fire Protection and Technical Lead at AkzoNobel, discussing the development of Chartek 2218E and the evolving needs of passive fire protection in oil and gas.

Today’s passive fire protection demands  

Robin began by discussing the broader pressures shaping fire protection in the oil and gas sector. He explained how project demands continue to increase, particularly around safety and performance requirements.

“There is a real growing need for effective and efficient two hour pool fire protection as part of oil and gas assets.”

Chartek 2218E was developed to respond directly to this need, with reduced film thickness that supports faster and more predictable application.

“Only two thirds of the thickness, which means it can be put on very simply and very robustly.”

Simplicity, sustainability and long term performance  

A major theme of the interview was the importance of simplifying passive fire protection for applicators, engineers and asset owners.

“People want solutions which are simple to apply. Simplicity has been the thing that has driven us.”

Robin also explained how using less material and curing at lower temperatures contributes to improved sustainability and reduced resource demand.

“So much less material needs to be applied. Which means not just less use of resources, but less use of energy and less use of manpower.”

He reinforced the confidence that comes from the long established track record of the Chartek range.

“We have had solutions that have worked offshore for 50 years. So we really know what it takes to generate class leading durability performance.”

Looking ahead

As part of International®, Chartek 2218E brings together practicality, proven performance and meaningful efficiency benefits. Robin’s interview offers clear insight into how the system was shaped by real project needs and why it represents an important step for passive fire protection in oil and gas.