Morten Fon, President and CEO of Jotun, the largest supplier of marine coatings in the world, has assessed the current status and future strategies of the company. In 2026, in addition to celebrating its 100th anniversary, Jotun achieved other positive financial results, and this growth trend, which has continued for over two decades, is still ongoing.
Experience in Managing Challenges
Fon states: "We have deep roots in the marine industry." Jotun was founded by Odd Gleditsch, a sailor, in 1926 in Sandefjord, Norway. He managed to sustain the business during the Great Depression and World War II, and this ability to manage uncertainty has been ingrained in Jotun's DNA.
Fon points out that the marine industry is always influenced by global changes, business patterns, and new regulations. He explains: "The cyclical nature of this industry brings both management challenges and opportunities." Jotun has achieved the ability to respond to market changes and create added value with the right structure.
Innovation and Research at Jotun
Wars and regional crises have profound effects on the marine industry. Fon refers to the crisis of the Suez Canal closure from 1967 to 1975, which increased shipping times and the need for more durable coatings. These changes led to the development of successful Jotun products.
Additionally, the IMO's decision to ban the use of TBT (a toxic chemical) in marine coatings in 2000 led to the development of a TBT-free antifouling coating called SeaQuantum. In 2011, Jotun introduced the advanced antifouling system HPS, and in 2020, a remote hull cleaning system.
Fon emphasizes that Jotun benefits from structural advantages due to its product supply diversity and over 11,000 employees in more than 100 countries, which helps reduce risk. The company serves various markets, including refineries, airports, and marine units.
Fon is optimistic about the future and notes that Jotun, along with its partner COSCO, is planning to increase the production capacity of marine coatings at its factory in China. He predicts that 2027 will also be a year full of opportunities and challenges.
