Energy transportation company Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) has decided to extend adoption of GIT Coatings’ graphene-based propeller coating, Xgit-Prop, across seven additional crude oil tankers.
Previously, OSG had applied the propeller coating to one crude oil tanker in October 2023. The first application of Xgit-Prop on an OSG tanker has seen performance gains and fuel savings beyond expectations. This has been further validated by a third party with the vessel tracked along its trade route covering the Pacific Ocean.
OSG will now begin applying the graphene-based propeller coating across seven additional vessels in the tanker fleet.
Eric Schreiber, OSG Director of Operational Excellence, said: “At OSG, we believe sustainable technology such as Xgit-Prop provides an opportunity for us to enhance our performance while also being stewards of the ocean. From the initial application study, Xgit-Prop is a proven product which both benefits vessel efficiency while also providing environmentally friendly impacts, which we will also consider for our new LCO2 vessel designs by Aptamus Carbon Solutions, a new subsidiary of OSG.”
As a biocide-free hard foul release coating, Xgit-Prop is designed to withstand the rigorous conditions faced by propellers. The graphene-based propeller coating is considered to overcome the shortcomings of conventional antifoulings or soft foul release coatings. Combining a strong adhesive primer with a hard foul release topcoat, XGIT-PROP maintains a smooth propeller surface. Since 2022, Xgit-Prop has seen over 400 applications and fleet agreements.
Philippos Sfiris, Head of Market Strategy and Vessel Performance, GIT Coatings, said: “This collaboration with OSG marks a significant milestone for our company. Using third party analysis of actual vessel performance data, we were able to confirm that their first vessel performance gains exceeded expectations. As a result, OSG extended their adoption of our graphene-based propeller coating across seven additional vessels. This milestone highlights continued industry-wide adoption of Xgit-Prop propeller coating, which we have seen over 400 applications worldwide. We are happy to continue to lead the shipping industry towards a future that prioritises energy savings and environmental responsibility.”
This fleet agreement between OSG and GIT Coatings builds on a shared vision of creating solutions that align with global climate goals and ensuring the shipping industry continues sailing towards a net-zero future. Faced with the need to meet environmental goals, reduce costs, and maintain efficiency, GIT Coatings believes that shipowners who are open to change can find help in the company’s graphene-based products.
Image: Propeller coated with Xgit-Prop (source: GIT Coatings)
