Standard · Systems, environments and degradation
ISO 12944-9
Paint systems and laboratory performance tests for offshore and related structures.
ISO 12944-9 sets the laboratory tests that a paint system must pass before it is used offshore. It was published in 2018 and replaced ISO 20340, which older specifications still name.
Where it applies
Carbon steel structures exposed to the CX (extreme) atmosphere, to Im4 (sea or brackish water with cathodic protection), or to both in the splash and tidal zones.
The tests
- Cyclic ageing for CX: weekly cycles of UV and condensation, salt spray and a period at −20 °C, for 25 weeks (4,200 hours).
- Im4: seawater immersion and cathodic disbondment.
- Splash zone: all of them.
Adhesion is tested by pull-off, before and after the exposure. ISO 12944-6 covers the lower categories (C2 to C5, Im1 to Im3); ISO 12944-9 is only for offshore.
3 practice items in the members area mention ISO 12944-9 (FROSIO written: 3).
Related
Try it in an exam-style question. The free readiness check shows the question style, explains every answer and gives you a dated study plan.
Take the free readiness checkSee the tracksAbout this page
Also published openly: Hempel: ISO 12944 brochure.
This page describes the subject of ISO 12944-9 in our own words; it does not reproduce the standard. For the full text, buy the current edition from ISO. Checked on 2026-10-14; errors go in the corrections log. CoatMentor is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with ISO, AMPP, SSPC, NACE International, ASTM or FROSIO.