Stolt Tankers has become the first chemical tanker company to apply Graphite Innovations & Technology’s graphene-based propeller coatings to its fleet.

Stolt Tankers and Graphite Innovations & Technology have signed a two-year agreement to apply GIT’s XGIT-PROP graphene-based marine coating to the propellers of 25 Stolt Tankers ships during 2023.

XGIT-PROP is an eco-friendly product that reduces marine growth and improves propulsion efficiency while ensuring no harmful toxins or biocides  are released into the ocean. This extensive application supports Stolt Tankers’ decarbonisation ambitions and reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Stolt Tankers is pleased to be the first chemical tanker company to apply GIT’s XGIT-PROP to its fleet and to bring the beneficial capabilities of graphene coatings to actual applications in the maritime industry.

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. The shipping industry needs innovators like GIT to help drive change and make a significant positive impact on our oceans. Our agreement with GIT will mean we can protect our oceans without compromising operational efficiency. This is an exciting move forward for our company.”

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 noise emissions (that can have a negative impact on marine wildlife) from the company’s ships, helping to lower the impact to life below water while improving fuel efficiency.

Mo AlGermozi, Co-founder and CEO at GIT, said: “I can’t say enough about the Stolt Tankers team and their desire to achieve their ambitious sustainability goals. Our XGIT-PROP puts this desire into action. They were able to measure significant improvement in fuel efficiency while ensuring  they help maintain healthy and vibrant oceans. GIT is honoured to partner with Stolt Tankers in supporting their green shipping activities in our oceans.”

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.