Stolt Tankers eyes 5-7% fuel savings from graphene coating 

Tanker operator Stolt Tankers said that it has become the first shipping company in the world to apply graphene coating technology to the hull of one of its chemical tankers, Stolt Lotus.

Namely, in early November, the 30,000-deadweight tonne Stolt Lotus was drydocked in China for five days where the hull coating was applied. It is expected to last for approximately ten years, with an evaluation at five years to confirm if any maintenance is required.

The X-GIT FUEL graphene technology, developed by Graphite Innovation & Technologies (GIT) Coatings, is a hard foul-release hull coating that creates an ultra-low friction surface to increase vessel performance, without the use of biocides, silicon oils or toxic components.

The coating is expected to provide fuel savings of between five and seven percent by decreasing the friction between the hull and the water and removing marine growth as the ship travels, the company said.

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 – another world first.

The move aligns with Stolt Tankers’ commitment to exploring solutions that have the potential to enhance the efficiency of its fleet and reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. It also supports Stolt Tankers’ ambition to reduce its carbon intensity by 50% (relative to the 2008 baseline) by 2030.

“The collaboration with GIT Coatings is a great example of how innovation is helping the maritime industry on its journey to a carbon-free future. Cutting-edge technology like this isn’t 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,” Lucas Vos, President of Stolt Tankers, said.

“This is a fantastic collaboration that speaks for itself. Stolt Tankers has so far coated the propellors on more than 40 ships and has now begun the process on its ship hulls. This helps both companies continue to deliver on their commitment to protecting the climate and the ocean. Thanks to forward-looking partners like Stolt Tankers,” Mo AlGermozi, CEO of GIT Coatings, added.

In addition, Singapore-based ship management company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has teamed up with GIT to implement the latter’s graphene-based, biocide-free propeller coating across its fleet.