GIT Coatings launches new next-gen XGIT-Vortex propeller coating system

Propeller coated with XGIT-Vortex. [Photo: GIT Coatings

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based GIT Coatings has launched XGIT-Vortex, its next-generation graphene-based propeller coating system.

This next evolution of GIT Coatings’ graphene-based propeller coating technology is designed to help shipowners move beyond propeller polishing as a periodic recovery measure and toward long-term performance retention. The system is engineered to address the main limitations of current approaches: fouling build-up between polishing events, cavitation-related coating damage, and loss of propeller smoothness over the drydock cycle.

Using GIT’s Amphiphilic Graphene Nanonetwork (AGN) technology, XGIT-Vortex is a dedicated three-layer propeller coating system. A foul-release topcoat helps deter fouling attachment for a cleaner propeller over time, while the reinforced mid-coat acts as the system’s structural layer, helping absorb cavitation stress and reduce coating damage at blade edges and tips. Together, the threelayer system is designed to support stronger coating integrity, long-term smoothness retention, and more stable propeller performance over the drydock cycle.

According to GIT, key performance characteristics include:

• Up to 5% fuel savings
• Deters fouling attachment to help keep propellers cleaner over time
• Reinforced mid-coat helps resist cavitation stress for stronger coating integrity over time
• Low-friction surface designed to help maintain propeller smoothness over the drydock cycle
• Performance guarantee available

As shipowners increasingly focus on lifecycle efficiency and emissions performance, propulsion optimization is becoming a critical component of operational strategy. Propeller efficiency, notes GIT, remains one of the most immediate operational levers for reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance costs across commercial fleets.

Propeller condition directly influences fuel consumption, CII performance, EU ETS exposure, and overall operating cost. With XGIT-Vortex, says GIT, vessel operators can move beyond reactive polishing and support more stable propeller performance through a more durable and reliable propeller coating system engineered for the dry dock cycle.

The launch ceremony was held at the Lloyd’s Register stand during the Posidonia 2026 event in Athens and follows Lloyd’s Register’s recent type approval of GIT Coatings’ next-generation graphene-based hull coating, XGIT-Force.

The event featured Mo AlGermozi, CEO of GIT Coatings, and Andy McKeran, chief growth officer at Lloyd’s Register, who presented AlGermoz with the XGIT-Force type approval certificate,

“XGIT-Vortex reflects the next step in our mission to deliver sustainable, high-performance coating technologies for the global maritime industry,” said AlGermozi. “As shipowners continue prioritizing efficiency, emissions reduction, and operational flexibility, the industry is increasingly shifting toward technologies designed around long-term performance, sustainability, and measurable operational value.”

“The maritime sector continues to seek innovative technologies capable of supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability goals,” said McKeran. “It was great to join GIT Coatings at Posidonia as the company introduced its latest advancement in graphene-based marine coating technology.”

GIT Coatings has now surpassed approximately 600 vessel and propeller coating applications globally since 2022