BW Epic Kosan is expanding its adoption of graphene-based hull coating technology across its LPG carrier fleet after an initial trial demonstrated fuel savings of approximately 6%, according to a statement published by GIT Coatings on Friday.
The company has now coated five vessels using GIT Coatings’ technology, with a sixth currently undergoing treatment in dry dock.
From Trial to Fleet-Wide Deployment
The programme pairs GIT Coatings’ biocide-free graphene hull coating with robotic hull cleaning and ongoing advisory support. According to the two companies, one monitored vessel remained free of hard fouling over a period exceeding one year, maintaining consistent performance through a regime of proactive cleaning.
Building on those results, BW Epic Kosan has begun integrating GIT’s next-generation XGIT-FORCE coating into its fleet operations. Ship & Bunker reports this formulation is engineered for improved antifouling performance and greater durability compared to the earlier coating generation.
Does This Matter to You?
Hull efficiency remains one of the most directly controllable variables in fuel consumption, and a documented 6% reduction in fuel use carries significant weight in the current regulatory and commercial environment. As the industry faces mounting pressure under frameworks like the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and EU ETS, solutions that demonstrably cut fuel burn are increasingly relevant to those managing vessel performance, operating costs, and emissions compliance.
The decision by BW Epic Kosan to move from a monitored trial to fleet-wide deployment — and to adopt an upgraded coating product — signals growing confidence in graphene-based hull technology as a practical, scalable efficiency tool rather than an experimental measure. The addition of robotic cleaning to the maintenance cycle also points toward an integrated approach to hull performance management that goes beyond the coating itself.
For those tracking developments in vessel efficiency technology, biofouling management, and fuel cost reduction strategies, this case provides a concrete, reported data point from a commercial LPG operator.
—
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
—
Sources: Ship & Bunker
