EXCLUSIVE: Graphene coating targets efficiency

The new XGIT-FORCE coating, already being applied across a range of vessels including tankers, bulk carriers and cruise ships, is designed to deliver up to 10% fuel savings while improving durability and environmental performance.

The product is based on its proprietary dynamic phase engineered technology, combining advanced surface chemistry with graphene reinforcement to inhibit biofilm formation and reduce drag.

“XGIT-FORCE is engineered to unlock up to 10% fuel savings and provide the highest return on investment of any antifouling coating on the market,” Patrick Wadden, marketing & communications manager at GIT Coatings told The Motorship, adding that the solution eliminates the need for toxic biocides or microplastic release into marine environments.

Wadden emphasised that performance claims are supported by multiple verification methods across different vessel types. “We have quantified the out of dock power gain provided by our coating for a variety of different ship types using class-attended sea trials to revise the vessel’s EEXI rating with a Vref improvement,” said Wadden.

He added that independent average hull roughness measurements showed a surface profile of around 63 microns, ‘which translates to a 6% improvement in power at constant speed’. Further validation came from friction testing conducted at the University of Strathclyde, assessing coating performance under turbulent flow conditions.

However, Wadden acknowledged that results vary depending on operational factors. “Our results can vary based on ship’s type, operating profile, plus how consistently the hull is maintained via the concept of proactive hull management,” he said.

Cleanable by design

A key feature of XGIT-FORCE is its ‘cleanable by design’ approach, aligning with increasing regulatory scrutiny on hull cleaning and environmental impact. The coating is designed to support regular, light cleaning to prevent slime build-up, which studies have shown can significantly increase fuel consumption.

“Our solution is coating plus proactive hull management meaning regular inspections and removal of slime before performance drops, aligned with the direction of IMO’s 2023 biofouling guidelines,” said Wadden.

“We do not contain or leach biocides to the ocean and have tested our coating with a large variety of cleaning equipment to ensure it does not damage the coating over repeated cleaning cycles.”

He noted that tightening global regulations around invasive species and water quality are accelerating demand for non-toxic alternatives. At the same time, it is promoting a shift in cost structures for shipowners.

“From a practical total cost of ownership perspective, our solution shifts cost from occasional reactive cleaning of hard fouling to planned, light hull grooming,” Wadden said. “In our experience, that added planned maintenance cost is typically outweighed by the fuel savings and steadier performance over time.”

With more than 600 vessels contributing to its development, GIT Coatings said XGIT-FORCE represents a mature, scalable solution as the maritime sector seeks to balance efficiency gains with stricter environmental compliance.