Dry bulk transport firm Pacific Basin has determined to use a sustainable graphene-based propeller coating XGIT-PROP, developed by Canadian firm GIT Coatings, throughout its whole fleet.
Following profitable software and observing optimistic outcomes on one in every of its Supramax dry bulk vessels, Pacific Basin has began the rollout of XGIT-PROP throughout 40 vessels scheduled for dry dock upkeep in 2024. This decarbonisation initiative marks the most important adoption of graphene-based propeller coating within the dry bulk section.
Sanjay Relan, the General Manager of Optimisation & Decarbonisation at Pacific Basin, mentioned: “Since 2007, we have been coating our vessels’ propellers with silicone paint to proactively maintain a smooth propeller surface and avoid the frequent need for polishing to recover lost performance. However, we have not been able to avoid edge damages to the silicone coating on the propellers, which requires the entire propeller coating to be stripped and reapplied at every docking. By adopting XGIT-PROP hard coating for our entire fleet, we are taking a proactive step towards more sustainable practices. We hope to maintain a damage-free, smooth propeller surface and improve efficiency over longer periods. At a fleet-wide level, we anticipate significant reductions in both environmental impact and operational expenses.”
A biocide-free onerous foul launch coating, XGIT-PROP is designed to face up to the rigorous circumstances confronted by propellers, overcoming the shortcomings of typical, biocide-based comfortable foul launch coatings that launch silicone oils and infrequently peel away from propeller blades. Combining a robust adhesive primer with a tough foul launch topcoat, XGIT-PROP ensures the propeller’s floor stays easy over the drydocking cycle.
In a gas effectivity examine performed by Stolt Tankers in 2022, it was confirmed that XGIT-PROP has the potential to cut back gas consumption by as much as 4%. In addition to improved CII rankings, shipowners within the dry bulk sector are leveraging XGIT-PROP’s effectivity positive aspects to enhance their vessels’ RightShip GHG rankings.
