GIT Coatings has unveiled XGIT-FORCE, a graphene-based hard foul-release coating engineered to deliver up to 10% in fuel savings and reduce emissions. Utilizing proprietary Dynamic Phase Engineered Technology (DPET), the coating creates a frictionless, amphiphilic barrier that prevents marine growth without leaching toxic biocides or microplastics. The solution offers a 6% out-of-dock power gain compared to traditional antifouling and provides high mechanical durability for aggressive proactive cleaning, making it suitable for a diverse global fleet including tankers, container ships, and cruise vessels.
Quick Summary for Shipowners and Maritime Operators
- Fuel Efficiency: Engineered to achieve up to 10% reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Environmental Impact: Zero-leaching, biocide-free, and prevents the shedding of harmful chemicals and microplastics.
- Technology: Uses Dynamic Phase Engineered Technology (DPET) combining graphene reinforcement with smart surface chemistry.
- Performance: Provides a 6% out-of-dock power gain and offers high durability against ice friction, fender impacts, and frequent grooming.
- Fleet Adoption: Currently being applied to over ten vessels, including LPG tankers, Ro-Ro vessels, and cruise ships.
GIT Coatings, a Canadian leader in sustainable marine technology, has officially launched XGIT-FORCE, a revolutionary graphene-based hull solution designed to fundamentally reshape maritime operational efficiency. Engineered to target up to 10% in fuel savings, this hard foul-release coating provides a high return on investment while eliminating toxic chemicals from the marine environment. By utilizing advanced nanotechnology rather than traditional biocides, XGIT-FORCE ensures that shipowners can achieve strict decarbonization goals without compromising environmental integrity.
The maritime industry is facing unprecedented pressure to decarbonize, driven by tightening International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Biofouling—the buildup of marine organisms on a ship’s hull—dramatically increases drag, forcing engines to work harder and consuming more fuel. Traditional antifouling paints often rely on toxic biocides that leach harmful chemicals into the ecosystem. GIT Coatings’ XGIT-FORCE addresses this crisis by offering a non-toxic, durable, and highly efficient alternative that enables proactive hull performance management.+3
The Technology Angle: Graphene and DPET
The core of XGIT-FORCE lies in its sophisticated engineering. Graphene, a nanomaterial known for being 200 times stronger than steel, reinforces the coating to provide exceptional mechanical resistance.
Advantages for Shipowners
- High ROI: Significant fuel savings quickly offset the initial investment cost.
- Proactive Cleaning: The hard surface allows for frequent grooming and proactive hull cleaning to maintain maximum efficiency without degrading the coating.
- Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with CII and other decarbonization metrics by significantly reducing operational carbon intensity.
- Durability: Withstands harsh marine environments, including ice friction and fender impacts, reducing maintenance frequency.
Disadvantages for Shipowners
- Application Requirements: As with many high-performance coatings, XGIT-FORCE requires specific surface preparation and application procedures that must be strictly followed.
- Initial Investment: While providing a high ROI, the upfront cost may be higher than traditional, less durable antifouling paints.
Global Adoption and Future Outlook
With first applications already underway across a global fleet, XGIT-FORCE represents a milestone in the maturation of graphene-based solutions. GIT Coatings has established a dedicated Advisory Services department to assist operators in establishing data-driven, proactive cleaning regimes. This end-to-end approach ensures seamless integration into existing operational workflows. As the shipping sector moves closer to its 2030 and 2050 decarbonization targets, technological innovations like XGIT-FORCE are essential for balancing commercial imperatives with environmental stewardship.+1
Conclusion: A New Era for Cleaner Seas
The launch of XGIT-FORCE marks a definitive step toward a new era of proactive hull performance management. By combining the mechanical strength of graphene with advanced foul-release properties, GIT Coatings has proven that peak operational efficiency no longer requires polluting the marine environment. As this technology matures and sees wider adoption, it will play a critical role in reducing the global shipping industry’s environmental footprint, leading to cleaner seas and more sustainable global trade.
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