June 22, 2022 (Dartmouth, Canada and Singapore) — Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT), provider of the world’s most sustainable marine coatings, and Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), a global leader in the shipping industry, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership deal.
With a history spanning 60 years, Eastern Pacific manages a versatile fleet of 200 vessels and over 20 million deadweight-tonnes across three core segments of containership, dry bulk, and tanker vessels . EPS’ commitment to green technology is a perfect match with GIT’s mission of providing peak vessel efficiency through new and sustainable solutions. This deal provides a strategic alignment with a focus on sustainability and decarbonisation moving towards protection of the world’s oceans through greener shipping.
“The adoption of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions play a key role at EPS. That’s why teaming up with GIT was an easy decision. By supporting fuel efficiency and requiring less paint, GIT’s coatings will be instrumental in our decarbonisation and sustainability efforts. We look forward to working with them as we expand and rejuvenate our global fleet.” – Gil Ofer, EPS Special Advisor for Innovation
“GIT is excited to team up with EPS. Our shared goal of reducing the environmental impact in the world’s oceans is of paramount importance. These projects are a step forward towards not only reducing emissions, but also mitigating risks to ocean health. We look forward to working closely with EPS and other shipping fleets. Through collaboration we will move all of us closer to maritime decarbonisation.” – Mo AlGermozi, Chief Executive Officer, GIT
GIT’s first project with EPS involved the application of a fresh coat of XGIT-PROP, a biocide-free graphene-based propeller coating on the QUEBEC, an LPG tanker. In addition to reducing environmental impacts, GIT’s technology uses less paint during application and provides improved fuel efficiency with underwater noise reduction capabilities in shallow water.
The QUEBEC project will be followed by a complete application of the XGIT coating system on both the hull and propeller of a sister ship, KENT, an LPG tanker. The application of XGIT in lieu of traditional anti-fouling hull coatings will prevent the release of up to 1,900 kg of copper biocide to the ocean. EPS will benefit from a significant reduction in fuel burned compared to a traditional anti-fouling coating by maintaining a durable ultra-low hull roughness with this system. Over the next 5 years, the tanker will avoid the emission of up to 10,562 metric tonnes of CO2eq which will help EPS push towards meeting their sustainability goals.
The adoption of new cutting-edge technologies and innovation across EPS’ fleet plays an important role in EPS strategy and ultimately reshapes the maritime industry.