Baku: In recent years, the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan have enabled the development of local industry and the emergence of high-quality domestic products and brands.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, some local products, thanks to their high quality, have begun to be exported and compete with world brands. One of these rare brands is 'KNARR' marine and industrial paints, produced by Azerbaijan's 'CMT Group' LLC.
'CMT Group' LLC, which has been operating in Azerbaijan for more than 20 years, is engaged in the production of ship industry paints based on the most advanced technologies available in the world and foreign licenses. The company's products are produced and exported under the 'KNARR' marine and industrial paints and 'Penguin' brands. Marine and industrial paints are one of the most challenging segments of the paint sector. Producing high-quality products in this field requires not only serious investment but also a team of skilled engineers and technologists capable of expertly managing technological processes and possessing extensive experience.
Approximately 80% of the exports of 'CMT Group' LLC, which possesses these capabilities, consist of specialized products - industrial, marine, and automotive paints. In particular, 'KNARR' paints are among the most recognized products in the shipbuilding industry, both in local and foreign shipyards. These paints are exported to Russia, Uzbekistan, Trkiye, and other countries. For example, according to a recent agreement, some ship companies in Trkiye have begun using 'KNARR' paints for the repair of their vessels.
It should be noted that the 'KNARR' and 'Penguin' paints produced by 'CMT Group' LLC are manufactured in full compliance with international standards based on a license acquired from the Dutch 'Transocean' company in 2019. Becoming a partner of the well-known global brand 'Transocean' and producing products under its license is an extremely difficult and responsible process. 'CMT Group' is one of only 22 companies worldwide to have obtained a production license from this company and the only company in the CIS region to hold such a license.
To ensure strict control and maintain the highest level of quality, the raw materials used in paint production are procured exclusively under the company's supervision. Marine paints are considered the most difficult segment of the paint industry. Ships constantly operating in a corrosive environment must have their hulls rigorously protected. Only high-quality marine paints with the necessary technical specifications and adapted to such conditions can protect a ship's hull.
Another partner of 'CMT Group' is the world-renowned British company 'Lloyd's Register EMEA'. A portion of 'CMT Group''s marine paints - specifically anti-fouling paints for ship hulls - are produced in accordance with the IMO AFS Convention certificate issued by 'Lloyd's Register EMEA'. These paints prevent various marine organisms from adhering to ship hulls, thereby protecting the hull and increasing vessel speed. 'CMT Group' is the only company in the entire CIS region to hold such a certificate.
'KNARR' marine and industrial paints are distinguished by their quality not only in Azerbaijan but also in neighboring countries. These paints have crossed country borders, entered foreign markets, and secured a serious position in the marine and industrial paints segment. Due to their quality, these paints have no competitors in Russia, Trkiye, and neighboring countries. 'KNARR' paints compete with globally recognized brands such as 'Jotun', 'Hempel', 'International', and 'Sherwin Williams', and are in no way inferior in quality.
In Russia, 'CMT Group' paints have surpassed Russian and European paints in quality and have become the main paints used in ship and tanker repair and construction. To meet the growing demand in the Russian market, 'CMT Group' operates a branch in Astrakhan, Russia. At the same time, products of 'CMT Group' have also been used in the production of certain equipment intended for NATO.
Overall, more than half of the products manufactured by 'CMT Group' are exported. The company produces all types of paints used in the shipbuilding industry. In addition to ships, 'CMT Group' paints are used in the production of metal structures, the construction of factories, and offshore platforms. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan's main institutions operating in this field regularly use marine and industrial paints from 'CMT Group' in vessel construction and repair processes.
Recently, 'CMT Group' LLC was included for the first time in the vendor list of 'bp', one of the world's largest energy companies. 'CMT Group' LLC is one of the few technological enterprises in Azerbaijan that produces world-class technological products and exports industrial goods. The company manufactures high-quality marine and industrial paints under the KNARR brand, construction and decorative paints under the 'Penguin' brand, and chemical and concrete additives under the 'Epo' brand.
The operations of 'CMT Group''s paint factory contribute to the socio-economic development of the village of Ashaghi Guzdak and the settlement of Mushfigabad in the Absheron district, where the enterprise is located. Currently, 150 employees work at the facility, the majority of whom are residents of the local village and settlement.