The approval supports the development of technologies designed to improve vessel efficiency and support more sustainable hull management practices.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted type approval and technical assurance to GIT Coatings for its next-generation graphene-based foul-release hull coating, XGIT-FORCE™.
The approval confirms that LR has independently assessed the concept and design of the coating against relevant technical requirements and it is compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships.
Hull condition remains one of the most significant operational factors affecting vessel performance, with even light biofouling capable of increasing fuel consumption and emissions. As regulatory pressure and decarbonisation targets intensify, shipowners are increasingly examining hull coatings and maintenance strategies that can help maintain optimal hydrodynamic performance.
Developed by Canada-based GIT Coatings, XGIT-FORCE™ is a hard foul-release coating designed to create a highly smooth, durable hull surface that allows for regular inspection and proactive cleaning. This approach reflects a growing shift towards continuous hull performance management rather than reliance on conventional biocide-based antifouling coatings.
The type approval of XGIT‑FORCE is an important early validation step within LR’s antifouling assurance framework. It provides a technical foundation for further assessment as in‑service data builds, following a similar pathway to GIT Coatings’ XGIT‑Fuel graphene‑based hull coating, which received the industry’s first Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval from LR in 2024.
Heather Hughes, Team Leader for Non-Metallics and Coating Materials at Lloyd’s Register, said: “Shipowners are increasingly focusing on hull performance as part of their strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and improve vessel efficiency. Through initiatives such as this, Lloyd’s Register continues to work with technology developers like GIT Coatings and shipowners to assess emerging innovations and support their safe and effective introduction into the global fleet.”
Mo AlGermozi, CEO of GIT Coatings, said: “Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register is a powerful validation of our graphene-based coating technology and the disciplined development behind it. Following the same pathway that led to enhanced type approval for XGIT-FUEL, XGIT-FORCE™ brings shipowners a proven solution capable of unlocking up to 10% fuel savings - delivering exceptional commercial value and operational efficiency needed in today markets.”
XGIT-FORCE™ is already being introduced across several commercial vessels, including LPG carriers, bulk carriers and container ships operating on major trade routes.
About Lloyd’s Register
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.
Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.
For more information, go to www.lr.org
About GIT Coatings
GIT Coatings is a global marine coatings technology company specialising in graphene-based solutions that improve vessel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. With over 600+ applications worldwide, GIT Coatings’ products and services support ship owners and operators in achieving measurable performance and peak operational efficiencies.
Image: Maggie Kennedy, Director of Partnerships at GIT Coatings, receiving Type Approval certificate from Chris Pfisterer, VP Commercial - Americas at Lloyd's Register.
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