Graphene-based antifouling applied in Gibdock repair

A 30-day repair carried out recently by Gibraltar’s Gibdock to the bulk carrier Donald M James included the application of a graphene-based foul release coating from Graphite Innovation & Technologies Inc. (GIT) Coatings.

The 2015-built 229m-long panamax vessel, owned by Vulica Shipping Company, underwent extensive repairs in the shipyard’s dock No. 1. In addition to renewals to cargo holds, piping, thrusters, tailshafts, and rudders, the work included the application of the new XGIT-FUEL hull coating. It is said to have high impact resistance, no biocides, a very small volume of volatile organic compounds, and a smooth finish. The coating, which ‘self-cleans’ at speeds of 10-12 knots, boosts ship efficiency by 7-10%, it is claimed, and can be applied in wide-ranging yard conditions, and temperatures from -5C to 40C.

The coating was applied to the ship’s vertical sides and the coatings company’s XGIT-PROP was applied in three layers to the 7.3-m propeller after grit blasting.

Richard Beards, managing director at Gibdock, said that the Donald M James project fully aligned with the yard’s strategy for supporting owners to retrofit, apply and integrate solutions that benefit ship efficiency and sustainability.   

“In line with revised International Maritime Organization targets on GHG emissions for 2030, 2040 and 2050, Gibdock continues to seek out work that enables decarbonisation in shipping,” he said.

“In this case, we renewed our relationship with Wilhelmsen Ship Management, which approached us on behalf of the owner to take on our first graphene-based coatings project. Donald M James was redelivered on time, on budget and to what GIT’s inspectors considered exceptional standards.”