Dartmouth, NS — Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT), provider of the world’s most sustainable marine coatings, has announced new additions to its Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Technology Leadership Project, the Smart Protective Coatings Project.
New partners include Oceanex Inc., which offers regular ro/ro service between Montreal and Newfoundland and Labrador, Baffin Fisheries, the leading commercial fisheries enterprise in Nunavut, Canada and Sma’knis Maritime Safety & Security Inc., a service firm specializing in port and harbour security.
Oceanex is committed on implementing sustainable solutions throughout its fleet of container and Ro-Ro vessels. Oceanex consistently scores highly in Green Marine verification rankings in areas such as emissions, underwater noise, and invasive species. Both Oceanex and GIT are Green Marine partners.
“For Oceanex, we always strive for continual improvement of our environmental performance,” says Captain Sid Hynes, Executive Chairman, Oceanex. “What GIT brings to the table is a significant effort to help us achieve our sustainability goals across our fleet.”
In early 2022, underwater surveys will be carried out on the Oceanex Sanderling with a large patch of the hull coated with the GIT paint. Results will be compared with the existing paint.
Past tests on small inshore fishing boats showed a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and lower noise levels.
Oceanex, together with original project partners Horizon Maritime Services Ltd, and Mitacs, will collaborate within the Smart Protective Coatings Project to help GIT introduce a new graphene-based nanotechnology to the global ocean economy through the development of revolutionary graphene-based protective coating products for vessels.
Baffin Fisheries is committed to maximizing economic benefits for Nunavut, while ensuring a sustainable, healthy fishery and biosphere for all future generations. Baffin Fisheries currently owns and operates two factory freezer trawlers and one factory freezer gillnetter. Their corporate office is in Iqaluit with operational offices in Paradise, Newfoundland, Pangnirtung, and Pond Inlet.
“Through this project we will test and analyze reduction in fuel consumption, protection capabilities, and durability compared to current coatings,” says Chris Flanagan, CEO of Baffin Fisheries. “We are always looking for ways to make our fleet greener and we are excited to see the results of this project.”
Sma’knis Maritime Safety & Security Inc. operates patrol boats and crews that secure customer assets while they are anchored, alongside, or in transit in shipping lanes or while in port. They also conduct safety training for crews working around marine environments.
“For us, port security means you have to be agile and your vessels have to be at peak performance at all times,” says Adam Kennedy, President of Sma’knis Maritime Safety & Security Inc.. “Reducing marine growth and allowing us to maintain high speeds without added effort is critical to our success and XGIT-Fuel is the perfect solution to our optimal hull performance.”
“Oceanex, Baffin Fisheries, and Sma’knis are true leaders in the maritime sector and our team is excited to partner with them on this project and future efforts,” said Mo AlGermozi, Chief Executive Officer of GIT. “Our technology is Canadian made and it is cost effective for ship operators, it is nice to see leading Canadian companies working towards a common sustainable goal.”
“It’s important for our collective well being that we strengthen ocean collaboration and have first nations voices at the forefront of these efforts,” added Mr. AlGermozi. “We are proud to expand work with indigenous-led organizations like Sma’knis and Baffin Fisheries to achieve shared sustainability goals.”
GIT’s XGIT™ product line provide several advantages to marine industries including reduced fuel consumption for vessels, non-toxic protection and reduced underwater radiant noise.
The impact resulting from this exciting project is expected to be a game-changing outcome for the global ocean community.
In total, nine vessels across a range of classes are participating in the Smart Projective Coatings Project. These include RoRo, Tender-Icebreaking, Fishing Trawler, Ice Strengthened Tugs, Ice Strength Tug class vessels.
Lloyd’s Register (LR), a global professional services organization specializing in engineering and technology solutions that improve the safety and performance of complex, critical infrastructure, and supply chains, will continue to oversee and provide independent assessments of the impact of the coating impact on vessel performance.
Since joining the project, LR has delivered insights on GTI’s coatings performance through the independent assessment of underwater noise, fuel and GHG emissions, as well as undertaking regular surveys of vessels and, providing general advisory services.
“The Lloyd’s Register team looks forward to working with the new partners on the GIT-led Smart Protective Coatings project. The addition of these organizations will help us gain further insights about the use of GIT’s marine coatings, which will ultimately help to improve efficiency and reduce vessel emissions,” said Kevin Humphreys, Lloyd’s Register Marine and Offshore President, Americas.( Photo from Shipspotting.com)
