Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) Expands Use of Graphene-Based Propeller Coating Across Tanker Fleet

Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. ("OSG") decided to expand its use of GIT Coatings' graphene-based propeller coating, XGIT-PROP, to seven more crude oil tankers.

Previously, OSG successfully applied the graphene-based propeller coating to one of its crude oil tanker vessels in October 2023. The first use of XGIT-PROP on an OSG tanker has resulted in performance benefits and fuel savings that exceeded expectations. This was confirmed by a third party, who monitored the vessel throughout its trading route into the Pacific Ocean.

Building on OSG's objective to modernize the maritime sector, the company will now begin applying graphene-based propeller coating to seven more tanker vessels in its fleet.

Eric Schreiber, Director of Operational Excellence at OSG, commented: “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.”

XGIT-PROP, a biocide-free strong foul release coating, is intended to survive the harsh circumstances encountered by propellers. The graphene-based propeller coating addresses the drawbacks of traditional antifoulings and soft foul release coatings. XGIT-PROP, which combines a strong adhesive primer with a hard foul release topcoat, guarantees that the propeller surface remains smooth.

Since 2022, XGIT-PROP has become the industry standard, with over 400 applications and fleet agreements from other major shipping corporations.

Philippos Sfiris, Head of Market Strategy and Vessel Performance at GIT Coatings, said: “This collaboration with OSG marks a significant milestone for our company. Using 3rd 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 prioritizes energy savings and environmental responsibility.”

This fleet agreement between OSG and GIT Coatings expands on their shared objective of developing solutions that correspond with global climate goals and ensure the shipping industry's continued progress toward a net-zero future.

When it comes to meeting environmental objectives, lowering expenses, and maintaining efficiency, shipowners that are willing to adapt may find aid in new solutions such as GIT Coatings' graphene-based coatings.

Source: GIT Coatings