BWEK expands use of GIT coatings after 6% fuel savings out of dry dock

BW Epic Kosan (BWEK), a company engaged in the transportation of liquefied gas, petrochemicals, and specialty gases, has announced a partnership with GIT Coatings to enhance hull management on selected vessels in its LPG fleet. Currently, five gas carriers are already coated with a special formulation, and another vessel is in dry dock.

This collaboration is the result of the successful application of GIT's hard coating, as well as proactive cleaning using robotic technology and specialized consulting support. Earlier this year, a case study was presented at the HullPIC - 2026 conference, documenting the performance results of one of the gas carriers over more than 12 months, including out-of-dock performance gains and the ability to maintain hull cleanliness during operation.

As BWEK scales up its approach, it emphasizes the durability and cleanliness of the coating, which is key to successful hull management. GIT Coatings has received confirmation from Lloyd's Register Enhanced Type Approval, validating the coating's effectiveness after multiple cleanings.

The achieved results are made possible not only by the application of the coating. GIT's consulting service for proactive hull management includes planning, monitoring pollution risk, inspections and performance reviews, cleaning recommendations, and ongoing operational support.

Proactive hull management focuses on scheduled inspections and the removal of initial fouling, which supports fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, as well as minimizes the negative impact on water resources associated with aggressive responses to fouling.

The collaboration between BWEK and GIT has demonstrated a practical approach to managing hull condition during operation, ensuring regular condition monitoring and clearer action planning. This supports BWEK's commitment to enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and operational predictability.

BWEK's CEO, Jakob Bode, noted: "Our focus is on practical technologies and operational measures that support vessel efficiency and environmental performance. This collaboration with GIT Coatings has allowed us to assess a more proactive approach to hull performance management. The value lies not only in the coating itself but also in the system around it and the collaboration needed for its successful implementation in daily operations."

After the coating application, the vessel in the case study achieved an extremely low average hull roughness (60-70 microns), contributing to an out-of-dock power increase of approximately 6% compared to the previous coating system. Over the next year, inspection materials showed that the vessel remained free from hard fouling, and initial fouling was removed before it could develop further, with no visible damage to the coating after each cleaning.

Based on operational insights from these vessels, BWEK has also adopted the GIT XGIT-FORCE™ coating, designed with improved static anti-corrosion properties and enhanced mechanical strength. This system is intended to support longer cleaning intervals and better resistance to reactive cleaning while continuing to provide proactive hull management strategies.

This collaboration is part of BWEK's broader commitment to evaluating practical solutions that support operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and environmental performance across the fleet.