Fighting underwater noise using green vessel coatings

Kotug Canada Inc has recently applied Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT) XGIT-URN coating to the hull of one of its vessels, the K.J. Gardner.

“This is a major step forward to strengthen our focus to be a sustainable company. We have set a high standard to meet these goals by using GIT’s XGIT-URN coating which significantly impacts meeting those targets,” said Steve Widmeyer, director, Kotug Canada.

Reduced impact

The company has worked extensively with GIT, which is an industry leader focused on manufacturing graphene-based sustainable marine coatings, to help meet the goal of reducing sound vibrations which disturb marine life.

Aquatic life, such as mammals and the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale reside within the area of employment for Kotug Canada’s vessels. These mammals rely on underwater noise to communicate, navigate and find food.

The K.J. Gardner is the first of three vessels using the GIT applications in support of Kotug Canada’s 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.

Also applied to the K.J. Gardner were GIT’s XGIT-FUEL and XGIT-PROP coatings. These coatings will enhance the reduced impact with the additional benefits of considerably improving fuel efficiency and decarbonisation. It is expected that this vessel will significantly reduce CO2 emissions over the next five years.