BW Epic Kosan (BWEK), a leader in LPG, petrochemicals and specialty gas transportation, has expanded its partnership with GIT Coatings to advance proactive hull management across its LPG fleet. Five LPG gas carriers have been coated to date using GIT's biocide-free graphene-based hull coating technology, with one additional vessel currently in dry dock.
The partnership builds on strong operational results from BWEK's adoption of GIT's hard foul-release coating, combined with proactive cleaning using onboard robotic technology and dedicated advisory support. A case study presented at a recent conference tracked one LPG carrier through more than 12 months of commercial operation, documenting both out-of-dock performance gains and the ability to maintain a clean hull during service.
GIT's proactive hull management advisory service combines vessel-specific planning, fouling-risk monitoring, inspection and performance reviews, cleaning recommendations, port approval support and continuous operational follow-up. Rather than relying on reactive hull cleaning after performance loss occurs, this approach focuses on planned inspections and removal of early-stage slime before more resistant fouling develops.
"This collaboration is a strong example of how a new hull performance model can be validated and improved through real fleet operation," said Mo AlGermozi, CEO of GIT Coatings. "BWEK has been a highly engaged partner throughout the process, and their operational feedback has helped us further optimize both the coating technology and the service model around it."
Following application, the vessel in the case study achieved extremely low average hull roughness of 60-70 μm, contributing to an out-of-dock power gain of approximately 6% compared to the previous coating system. Over the following year, inspection footage showed the vessel remained free of hard fouling, with early-stage fouling removed before developing further and no visible coating damage after each cleaning event.
Building on these operational learnings, BWEK has adopted GIT's next-generation XGIT-FORCE™ coating, developed with improved static antifouling performance and enhanced mechanical durability. In 2026, the first vessel coated with XGIT-FORCE™ showed an average hull roughness of just 38 μm—extremely low compared to industry standards.
As BWEK continues to scale the approach, coating durability and cleanability remain central to making proactive hull management viable in operation. GIT Coatings has received Lloyd's Register Enhanced Type Approval, validating that the coating maintains its performance after repeated cleaning.
"Our focus is on practical technologies and operational measures that support vessel efficiency and environmental performance," said BWEK CEO Jakob Bode. "This collaboration with GIT Coatings has allowed us to evaluate a more proactive approach to hull performance management. The value goes beyond the coating itself; it is shown in the system around it and the collaboration required to make it work in daily operations."
The collaboration supports BWEK's focus on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction and operational predictability, while reflecting the growing importance of hull performance in relation to fuel costs, CII ratings and charter party expectations.
