Singapore-based BW Epic Kosan (BWEK) has deepened its collaboration with GIT Coatings as the company accelerates the rollout of proactive hull management solutions across its LPG fleet.
So far, five LPG gas carriers have been coated using GIT Coatings’ biocide-free graphene-based hull coating technology, while an additional vessel is currently undergoing treatment in dry dock.
The partnership follows encouraging operational results from BWEK’s use of GIT’s hard foul-release coating system combined with proactive robotic hull cleaning and dedicated technical advisory support.
Earlier this year, a detailed case study tracked one LPG carrier over more than 12 months of commercial operations and highlighted measurable improvements in vessel performance and hull condition management.
According to the findings, the vessel achieved an average hull roughness of between 60 and 70 microns immediately after coating application — a level significantly contributing to an estimated 6% out-of-dock power gain compared to the ship’s previous coating system.
During the following year of operations, inspection footage reportedly confirmed that the hull remained free from hard fouling. Early-stage slime and fouling were removed before developing into more resistant marine growth, while no visible coating damage was observed after cleaning operations.
GIT Coatings chief executive Mo AlGermozi said BW Epic Kosan had played an active role throughout the process, helping optimise both the coating technology itself and the broader operational service model built around it.
The coating system has also received Lloyd’s Register Enhanced Type Approval, validating its ability to maintain performance levels even after repeated cleaning procedures.
Unlike traditional reactive cleaning approaches, which usually take place only after vessels begin losing performance efficiency, proactive hull management focuses on planned inspections and early intervention to remove slime before more severe fouling develops.
The strategy aims to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and minimise environmental impact on marine ecosystems.
BW Epic Kosan chief executive Jakob Bode said the collaboration with GIT Coatings has enabled the company to explore a more advanced and proactive approach to hull performance management.
According to Bode, the value of the partnership extends beyond the coating itself and lies equally in the integrated operational system and close collaboration required to maintain consistent performance in daily fleet operations.
Building on the operational results already achieved, BW Epic Kosan has now started deploying GIT’s next-generation XGIT-FORCE coating technology.
The first vessel coated with the upgraded system in 2026 reportedly achieved an average hull roughness of just 38 microns — an exceptionally low figure compared with typical industry standards.
The shift mirrors a trend throughout the maritime industry as shipowners try to embrace more sophisticated hull technologies, predictive maintenance tools and energy-efficiency strategies to meet stricter emissions rules and lower operational costs.
