THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2023
According to a recent press release from marine coating supplier Graphite Innovation & Technologies, the company will be supplying its graphene-based, biocide-free propeller coating for global shipping management company Eastern Pacific Shipping's entire fleet.
GIT states that they began working with EPS a year ago, and the shipping company now plan to apply XGIT-PROP to 15 vessels that are drydocking in 2023 and 2024. The deal, the release states, will establish a strategic alignment “with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization, with the goal being the protection of the world’s oceans through green shipping.”
Initially, EPS had reportedly applied XGIT-PROP to the propeller of an LPG tanker, QUEBEC. Since then, EPS states that the vessel has seen improved performance and has maintained its Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating. According to the release, the success of the LPG tanker’s coating led EPS to expand on the adoption of this technology.
We are pleased to announce a deal with @EPShipping
— GIT ???? Graphite Innovation & Technologies (@GIT_Graphene) June 22, 2022
Building on Success in Commercial Market, GIT announces a deal with Eastern Pacific Shipping. https://t.co/xzuRzwb6gx pic.twitter.com/1zQNRcMth4
The release states that XGIT-PROP is an eco-friendly, durable, “ultra-low friction” foul release coating that can potentially improve and maintain a ship’s CII rating over the drydocking cycle.
“We see GIT’s propeller coatings as part of our portfolio of solutions to achieve long-term fuel efficiency and reduce emissions,” said Pavlos Karagiannidis, EPS Fleet Optimization Manager.
“We are pushing to make a positive impact on our oceans, and see GIT and their coatings as a key way to do that. This is another sustainable step forward for our company.”
XGIT-PROP reportedly does not release any harmful toxins or biocides into the ocean, supporting EPS’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The coating can also reportedly improve propulsion efficiency and keep the propeller surface smooth and free from biofouling.
GIT states to have developed several marine coatings for fleets interested in reducing their environmental impact. According to the report, XGIT-PROP is a three-layer graphene-based coating, specifically designed for harsh operational conditions.
The release also said that GIT's coating can reduce the need for propeller polishings, as well as damage from cavitation.
“EPS is a valued partner, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with them over the last year. We are excited they chose to apply XGIT-PROP across selected vessels. This coating is one of the simplest ways to improve and maintain CII while achieving sustainability goals,” said Mo AlGermozi, co-founder and CEO of GIT.
“GIT looks forward to partnering with EPS in supporting their green shipping activities since this helps moves us all that much closer to maritime decarbonization.”
Other GIT News
In April, GIT reportedly signed a two-year agreement with Stolt Tankers to apply its graphene-based marine coating to ship propellers later this year. Stolt was reportedly the first chemical tanker company to apply the coating to its fleet.
Previously, Stolt Tankers completed a trial of the GIT graphene propeller coating on the Stolt Acer in April 2022. The company noted a significant reduction in fuel consumption and subsequently applied the coating to five additional ships.
GIT added that it is expected the coating will reduce biofouling impact and noise emissions from the company’s ships, helping to lower the impact to life below water while improving fuel efficiency. Stolt also reports that the application supports its decarbonization ambitions and reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The two-year agreement, announced earlier that month, will see the XGIT-PROP graphene-based marine coating to the propellers of 25 Stolt Tankers ships during 2023.
Stolt Tankers reportedly operates a fleet of more than 160 chemical tankers, providing global transportation services for bulk liquid chemicals, edible oils, acids and clean petroleum products.
Tagged categories: Antifoulants; Coating Application; Coating Materials; Coating Materials; Coatings; Coatings Technology; Emissions; Environmental Controls; Foul release; Graphene; Green coatings; Marine; Marine Coatings; Program/Project Management; Ships and vessels; Sustainability
