Graphene has been described as a “wonder material” that will unlock new possibilities in marine protection.
Ship owners and operators are increasingly using graphene – a variety of carbon – as its ability to improve vessel performance while reducing emissions to air and water becomes more widely known. But what is it and what are the benefits?
Graphene improves boats by creating ultra-low-friction surfaces that increase speed and fuel efficiency, protecting hulls with its strength and durability, and creating eco-friendly coatings that reduce marine fouling.
In effect, graphene coatings provide a superior barrier against corrosion, marine fouling – bacteria, algae and barnacles – and mechanical wear while potentially improving hydrodynamics more than conventional paints or waxes.
Graphene is a variety of carbon which occurs naturally in small amounts and in which the carbon forms a sheet of interlocked hexagonal atoms just one carbon atom thick, so adding little in the way of bulk or weight.
It has a high tensile strength, around 200 times stronger than steel, yet is extremely lightweight.
It conducts heat and electricity effectively and treated graphene surfaces can be highly water-repellent, reducing biofouling and friction. They also form a near-impermeable barrier against water molecules, oxygen, or corrosive agents.
These advantages make graphene especially appealing for marine applications, where durability, corrosion resistance, and drag reduction translate directly into cost savings, higher speeds, and lower environmental impact.
The coating acts as a tough protective layer that further guards against corrosion, scratches, and other damage from the harsh marine environment.
Environmental benefits come from its non-toxic coatings, which are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional copper-based and biocide coatings, which are harmful to marine ecosystems.
The improved fuel efficiency from lower drag directly contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as less power is required to move the vessel.
The low-friction surface allows the boat to self-clean as it moves, washing away marine growth without the need for harmful chemicals.
This also enhances performance as graphene coatings create an ultra-smooth, slick surface that minimizes resistance between the hull and water, leading to a significant increase in speed.
One company that believes graphene is the way forward to a more sustainable future for the marine industry is GIT (Graphite Innovation & Technologies) Coatings, a Canada-based developer of sustainable graphene-based hull and propellor coatings.
CEO and co-founder Mo AlGermozi said: “We are committed to lead the shipping industry towards a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future by providing the world's most sustainable and effective biofouling management solutions, substantially reducing emissions to air and water.”
