Stolt Tankers opts for graphene-based coating for tankers

The graphene-based propeller coating, XGIT-PROP, has been developed by a Canadian cleantech company, Graphite Innovations & Technology (GIT). The company claims that the product inhibits biofouling and improves propulsion efficiency without the use of biocides.

GIT’s XGIT-PROP is a graphene-based propeller coating that is designed to release the growth of fouling on ship propellers and reduce the frequency of propeller ‘polishings’ or cleanings after two to three coats. It also maintains the propulsive efficiency of the propeller and reduces damage due to cavitation, thereby lowering noise emissions.

Stolt Tankers is the first chemical tanker company to apply GIT’s XGIT-PROP to its fleet. 

Jose Gonzalez Celis, Energy and Conservation Manager at Stolt Tankers, said: “This collaboration represents our continued focus on decarbonisation. We have several sustainability ambitions and see GIT’s propeller coatings as a simple way to maximise fuel savings and minimise emissions.”

In April 2022, Stolt Tankers completed a trial of the GIT graphene propeller coating on the Stolt Acer. The company noted a significant reduction in fuel consumption and subsequently applied the coating to five additional ships. It is expected the coating will reduce biofouling impact and underwater radiated noise emissions from the company’s ships, in addition to improving fuel efficiency.