10 February 2025
Stolt Tankers utilize new graphene propeller coatings on 25 vessels

Stolt Tankers has become the first Chemical Tanker company to apply Graphite Innovations & Technology’s graphene-based propeller coatings to its fleet.
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Concept
Stolt Tankers and Graphite Innovations & Technology (GIT) 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 and biocides are released into the ocean. This extensive application supports Stolt Tankers’ decarbonization ambitions and reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability.

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Ship Nerd
First Tanker Fleet
Stolt Tankers is pleased to be the first chemical tankers 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.
“This collaboration represents our continued focus on decarbonization. We have several sustainability ambitions and see GIT’s propeller coatings as a simple way to maximize fuel savings and minimize 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.”
Jose Gonzalez Celis, Energy & Conservation Manager, Stolt Tankers
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 that 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 significantly lower the impact on life below the water while improving fuel efficiency.
“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.”
Mo AlGermozi, Co-founder and CEO, GIT
Graphene-based Propeller Coatings
Graphite Innovations & Technology’s XGIT-PROP is a 2-3 coat 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. It also maintains the propulsive efficiency of the propeller and reduces damage due to cavitation, thereby lowering noise emissions.

Source: GIT
See Also
During the ship’s voyages, sea organisms such as barnacles and worms build up on the submerged parts of the ship. This biological fouling or epibiosis is the unwanted accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae or small sea creatures on surfaces. Thus, causing degradation to the paint coating while also the metal structures.
Biological fouling spawns a range of issues by increasing the weight and drag on the vessel. As a result, fuel efficiency gets worse, racking up costs and harming the environment while taxing the ship’s systems with sustained higher loads.
Therefore, divers mobilize to clean the gigantic superstructures and rid them of these parasites.

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