Chemical tanker giant Stolt is expanding its use of graphene-based coatings to reduce fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse emissions.
The Oslo-listed owner is to apply a hard foul release hull coating to its 30,345-dwt Stolt Lotus (built 2014) developed by Canadian start-up Graphite Innovation & Technologies (GIT).
In early November, the tanker was drydocked in China for five days to apply the hull coating.
Stolt Tankers said it is expected to last for approximately 10 years, with an evaluation at five years to confirm if any maintenance is required.
Stolt Tankers claims it is the “first shipping company in the world” to apply the sustainable coating to the hull of one of its chemical tankers.
The X-GIT FUEL graphene technology is said to create an ultra-low friction surface to increase vessel performance, without the use of biocides, silicon oils or toxic components.
GIT has claimed previously that its coatings can also unlock operational benefits for dry docks as its durable coating system requires fewer layers, thereby reducing the application time in drydock.
“The coating is expected to provide fuel savings of between five and seven per cent by decreasing the friction between the hull and the water and removing marine growth as the ship travels,” Stolt Tankers said.
Lucas Vos, president of Stolt Tankers, said: “Cutting-edge technology like this is not just about preventing wear and tear to our ships.
“The coating is a simple way we can help protect marine ecosystems, while maintaining operational efficiency.”
This latest application follows Stolt Tankers’ work with GIT Coatings earlier this year to apply the graphene coating to the propellors of more than 40 ships.
Stolt Tankers said the adoption of this technology supports its commitment to explore solutions that have the potential to “enhance the efficiency of its fleet and reduce the impact of its operations on the environment”.
In April 2023, Stolt Nielsen backed GIT in a CAD 10m ($7.5m) fundraising round with the funds going towards expanding the production capacity of its marine coatings, growing its global customer base and build strategic partnerships to accelerate commercialisation.
Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping has also installed GIT’s coatings on two of its vessels including the propeller of the 37,240-cbm LPG carrier Quebec (built 2017) and the hull and propeller of the 34,500-cbm LPG carrier Kent (built 2007).
The Idan Ofer-backed shipowner has since agreed to apply the XGIT-PROP on 15 more ships by the end of 2024.
