KOTUG Applied a Non-Toxic Noise Reduction Coating to the Hull of its Vessel

The graphene-based sustainable marine coating of GIT will minimise the vibrations that may disturb marine life.

KOTUG Canada Inc. and Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT) have jointly announced that the companies have successfully partnered to apply a non-toxic noise reduction coating to the hull of the K.J. Gardner vessel, minimising the underwater radiated noise emitted from the hull of the ship and the vibrations that may disturb marine life.

GIT is a coatings manufacturer specialised in graphene-based sustainable marine solutions that reduce the impacts from vessels operations on the environment. KOTUG employed the XGIT-URN coating specifically to protect aquatic life such as the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale, as the mammal relies on underwater noise to communicate, navigate and find food.

“This is a major step forward to strengthen our focus to be a sustainable company. The K.J. Gardner is the first of three vessels using the GIT applications in support our mission to reduce the impact on the environment, specifically related to the reduction of noise that potentially disturbs aquatic life in the Salish Sea and adjacent waters,” has stated Steve Widmeyer, the director of KOTUG Canada. “We have set a high standard to meet these goals by using GIT’s XGIT-URN coating which significantly impact meeting those targets.”

On the hull of the vessel were also applied the XGIT-FUEL and XGIT-PROP coatings, that will enhance the reduced impact with the additional benefits of considerably improving fuel efficiency and decarbonisation. It is expected that – over the next five years – KOTUG will be able to significantly reduce the CO₂ emissions of K.J. Gardner.

“Our team is excited to work with KOTUG Canada in meeting their sustainability goals. Our XGIT-URN, along with our other two marine coatings, will support their desire to maintain healthy and vibrant oceans while still supporting the needs of their clients. 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,” has also added Mo AlGermozi, the CEO of GIT.