Halifax-based Graphite Innovation and Technologies has begun applying its environmentally friendly, fuel-saving marine hull coatings to the ships of maritime services company KOTUG Canada.

GIT has applied its coatings to more than 20 vessels now, having inked partnerships last year with Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, whose Techstars-backed startup accelerator it joined last year, and Sma'knis Maritime Safety & Security from Eel River Bar First Nation in New Brunswick, among others.

KOTUG Canada, founded in 2019, is a partnership between Dutch corporation KOTUG International and Halifax’s own Horizon Maritime Services. The K.J. Gardner, which is an anchor handler, a type of ship often used for positioning oil rigs, and two other ships are set to be treated.

“Our team is excited to work with KOTUG Canada in meeting their sustainability goals,” said GIT Chief Executive Mo AlGermozi in a statement.

“Our shared goal of reducing the environmental impact on the world’s oceans is of paramount importance. GIT is on a mission to  contribute to the movement of green shipping activities in the world’s oceans.” 

Founded in 2017 by AlGermozi and Marciel Gaier, GIT manufactures a suite of graphene coatings designed to prevent corrosion and improve the durability of ships' hulls, dams and other equipment subject to extreme environments.

Graphene is a carbon-based material that is 200 times stronger than steel and efficiently conducts heat and electricity. It also serves to reduce friction, in turn reducing ships’ fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The K.J. Gardner is currently in Northwestern Europe and will relocate to the Salish Sea off of Vancouver in the coming months. The other ships slated to receive GIT’s coatings will arrive in Canada later this year and the next.

In November, new international laws governing ship emissions were introduced with tighter pollution controls that require operators to calculate and report each vessel’s “carbon intensity indicator” rating — an expansion of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

GIT bills its coatings as one way for companies to lower their emissions by allowing for more efficient operations.

“KOTUG Canada used GIT’s XGIT-URN (graphite) coating to help reduce underwater radiated noise emitted from the ship’s hull and the vibrations that disturb marine life,” said GIT.

“Aquatic life, such as mammals and the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale reside within the area of employment for KOTUG Canada’s vessels. These mammals rely on underwater noise to communicate, navigate, and find food.”