Posted on February 28, 2026
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GIT Coatings has launched XGIT-FORCE, a revolutionary graphene-based hard antifouling coating designed to increase vessel efficiency while supporting sustainable operations. This innovative solution is biocide-free, has zero leaching and is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without releasing harmful chemicals or microplastics into the marine environment.
XGIT-FORCE is designed to have a measurable impact on ship performance, resulting in fuel savings of up to 10% compared to traditional antifouling coatings. By maintaining a smoother hull surface and reducing drag, ships can operate more efficiently, reducing operating costs while meeting the growing environmental and regulatory requirements of the shipping industry.
Graphene technology drives performance
At the heart of XGIT-FORCE is GIT Coatings’ proprietary Dynamic Phase Engineering Technology (DPET). This advanced system combines innovations in surface chemistry with graphene-enhanced mechanical regulation to create a dynamic amphiphilic barrier that prevents biofilm formation. The result is a fouling release surface that maintains consistent performance in different marine environments.
Graphene increases the strength of the coating, allowing it to withstand challenging conditions such as ice friction, fender impacts and repeated cleaning. The ultra-smooth surface minimizes hull drag and provides approximately 6% off-dock power gain compared to premium biocidal antifouling coatings. These features enable the vessel to achieve optimal fuel efficiency while reducing the need for frequent maintenance or dry-docking.
Operational and economic advantages
XGIT-FORCE offers ship owners a combination of efficiency, durability and cost-effectiveness. Lower hull resistance directly means reduced fuel consumption, operating expenses and carbon emissions. The coating’s robust structure enables ships to last longer without compromising performance, thereby increasing fleet availability and operational reliability.
The zero-leaching formula eliminates the release of harmful substances into the ocean, providing a sustainable solution for environmentally conscious operators. The coating also improves return on investment by reducing maintenance requirements and extending hull life, making it an attractive option for operators looking for long-term value and environmental compliance.
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Broad application across fleet types
GIT Coatings plans to apply XGIT-FORCE to a variety of ship types, including LPG tankers, dry bulk carriers, ro-ro vessels, container ships and cruise ships. It is formulated to meet the different operating needs of these vessels, from varying speed profiles to differences in water temperature and salinity.
The coating is suitable for new builds and retrofits on existing ships, providing flexibility for adoption across the fleet. Its versatility ensures consistent performance across different vessel classes, allowing operators to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their fleets, regardless of vessel type or operating area.
Environmental impact and sustainability benefits
XGIT-FORCE sets a new benchmark in environmentally friendly hull coatings. Unlike traditional germicidal coatings, it does not leach chemicals into the water, avoiding potential ecological damage such as chemical contamination or accumulation of microplastics. By reducing hull drag and fuel consumption, the coating can also lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the maritime industry’s decarbonization plans and sustainability goals.
This combination of operational and environmental performance enables shipowners to increase efficiency while minimizing ecological impact. It also helps comply with stricter environmental regulations and aligns with broader corporate sustainability goals.
Shipping Industry Relevance
Graphene-based coatings have become a key innovation in the maritime sector, offering a unique balance of mechanical strength and anti-fouling capabilities. XGIT-FORCE builds on this innovation to deliver coatings that simultaneously improve hull performance, operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
The coating is particularly important as shipping companies face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, comply with new environmental standards and maintain cost-effective operations. Its long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements further enhance its appeal, allowing operators to manage fleets more efficiently while protecting the marine environment.
Performance validation and adoption
As XGIT-FORCE is rolled out on initial ships, its actual performance will be closely monitored for fuel savings, machinery durability and anti-fouling efficiency. This data will provide valuable insights for future deployments across other vessel types and operational scenarios.
The coating’s adaptability and scalability make it suitable for widespread adoption in commercial transportation. As the industry increasingly focuses on solutions that combine performance and sustainability, coatings such as XGIT-FORCE are expected to become standard tools for improving fleet efficiency and environmental compliance.
Looking to the future
By combining advanced graphene technology with dynamic surface chemistry, XGIT-FORCE represents a significant advancement in marine coatings. It provides a practical and sustainable approach to improving ship efficiency, reducing operating costs and meeting regulatory and environmental targets.
With its ability to reduce fuel consumption, extend hull life and minimize environmental impact, XGIT-FORCE provides a compelling solution for fleets seeking to balance operational performance with sustainability. Its application in a variety of ship types demonstrates its versatility, making it a valuable addition to new builds and existing vessels.
The deployment of XGIT-FORCE illustrates how innovative materials and engineering can contribute to the decarbonization and operational efficiency of the shipping industry. As adoption continues to increase, the coating is expected to set a new standard for environmentally friendly, high-performance hull protection, supporting sustainable offshore operations around the world.
