The UK-based classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted the maritime industry’s ‘first-ever’ enhanced antifouling type approval to Canada-based coatings company Graphite Innovation & Technologies (GIT Coatings).
The type approval was created to provide ship owners and operators with ‘validated assurance’ for antifouling coatings’ performance concerning hull cleanliness and smoothness, pre- and post-grooming operations, LR explained.
As disclosed, GIT Coatings was awarded the approval for its XGIT-Fuel graphene-based hull coating, made in such a manner that it creates an ultra-low friction surface, which is believed to increase vessel performance and reduce emissions without the use of biocides, silicon oils, or other toxic components.
The vessel’s out-of-dock performance is reportedly maintained during the docking cycle using a ‘hull grooming program’ the role of which is to remove biofoul from the hull without damaging or delaminating its paint or discharging various organisms into the marine ecosystem.
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