An innovative hull maintenance approach is a cruise industry first involving GIT Coatings

Graphite Innovations & Technologies Inc. (GIT Coatings) and the Australian cruise line Coral Expeditions have achieved a first in the global cruise industry by entering into an agreement to use a combination of robotic hull grooming and graphene-based hard foul release coatings on the 120-passenger Coral Adventurer vessel.

Coral Expeditions had sought a biocide-free coating in tandem with a grooming solution to keep the hull free of fouling over time while adhering to biofouling regulations. The biocide-free coating eliminates the risks of toxins, such as copper or silicone oils, from leaching into ocean waters.

Mo AlGermozi, GIT Coatings’ CEO, says the coating/grooming approach will showcase the transformative potential of a sustainable coatings industry. “We are pioneering a shift towards more sustainable operations, eliminating toxic biocides and silicone oils, while maintaining peak performance,” he explains. “Additionally, we are overcoming the durability limitations of traditional silicone technologies.”

The approach meets the new requirements under the Australian biofouling management regulations that came into effect at the start of this year. The operators of all vessels subject to biosecurity control are required to provide information on how biofouling has been proactively managed prior to arriving in Australian territorial seas.

In April, the Coral Adventurer had its hull coated with GIT Coating’s XGIT-FUEL, which is a graphene-based hard foul release hull coating that creates an ultra-low friction surface to increase vessel efficiency. The patented technology secures a hydrated layer that deters biofouling attachment. 

Coral Adventurer’s propellers were coated with XGIT-PROP, a highly durable graphene-based hard foul release propeller coating that helps to improve vessel performance by keeping the propeller smooth over time, improving carbon intensity indicator (CII) ratings.

The coatings and robotic hull grooming are resulting in the vessel spending less time in dry dock, ensuring it remains on schedule for cruise passengers. The grooming routine is easy to maintain in a way that aligns with Coral Adventure’s operations.

Learn more about this innovative approach in this video.