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Use Less Lube Oil.
Run Longer.
Support Better CII Outcomes.

iTAC® ta-C coated piston rings help maritime fleets reduce friction, stabilise oil film and lower operating cost — without major engine modifications.

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From decarbonisation pressure to practical upgrade paths

Position iTAC® as a commercially usable lever for lower lube oil consumption, better liner protection, longer service intervals and stronger CII support on existing fleets.

Built for Maritime Stakeholders
- Owners/ Operators
- Technical Managers
- OEMs
- Shipyards/ Repair
- Marine Engineers
- Distributors/ Agents

WhenWhat ChangedWhat it means
Since 2023 EEXI & CII Efficiency and carbon-intensity performance are now part of day-to-day operating reality for shipowners and operators.
Since 2024 EU ETS Maritime emissions are now part of EU carbon pricing, increasing the commercial value of every practical efficiency gain.
Since 2025 FuelEU Maritime The GHG intensity of onboard energy use is now part of the regulatory landscape for ships above 5,000 GT calling at EU ports.
For existing fleets Why it matters Not every improvement needs a new engine or new fuel. Practical upgrades that reduce losses and protect service life can still move the commercial needle.

Decarbonisation now demands practical efficiency gains

For shipowners and operators, decarbonisation is no longer only about future plans. It is about finding practical ways to improve efficiency, manage consumables more tightly, and support better carbon-intensity performance on vessels already in service.
Lower friction is not just a wear story, it is also an efficiency, emissions and operating-cost story.

Why friction matters

Every stroke of a marine engine creates friction between the piston ring face and the cylinder liner. Over time, poor friction control raises lube oil demand, accelerates wear, shortens maintenance intervals and adds to fleet operating cost.

  • Friction creates drag

    Mechanical losses at the ring-liner interface demand more energy for the same duty and make efficient operation harder to maintain.

  • Oil-film instability drives consumption

    When lubrication becomes less stable, fleets often compensate through higher lube oil use, while liner protection becomes less predictable.

  • Wear turns into cost and CII pressure

    More friction can mean faster wear, shorter overhaul intervals, higher consumables burden and weaker support for better CII outcomes.

A drop-in upgrade built for marine piston ring applications

Developed by NTI Nanofilm using proprietary Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc (FCVA) technology, iTAC® applies a hydrogen-free ta-C layer onto piston ring surfaces to deliver ultra-low friction, stable oil-film performance and stronger liner protection.

- Lower lube oil use: Supports more stable lubrication and tighter consumables control.
- Better liner protection: Helps maintain oil film and reduce wear-related risk at the ring-liner interface.
- Longer service performance: Supports more predictable overhaul planning and longer running intervals.
- Stronger CII support: Lower friction can reduce mechanical losses and fuel demand for the same duty.

Download i-TAC® Brochure

How iTAC® Compares

Property Chrome Plating Cemet
(HVOF)		 Standard DLC (a-C:H) iTAC® ta-C
Hardness (HV) ~900–1,200 ~1,000–1,300 ~1,500–2,500 2,000–5,000
Friction Coefficient ~0.15–0.16 ~0.30–0.40 ~0.10–0.15 < 0.10
Thermal Stability ~500°C ~600°C ~400°C 600°C
Hydrogen Content N/A N/A Yes (a-C:H) Hydrogen-free
Deposition Method Electroplating HVOF Spray PVD / PECVD FCVA
Oil-Film Behaviour Lipophobic Lipophobic Neutral Lipophilic

Performance Advantages

  • Stable oil-film retention

    iTAC® helps retain a stable oil film on the coated surface, supporting more consistent lubrication, lower friction and better liner protection.

  • Extended durability in service

    Built for demanding marine engine conditions, iTAC® supports longer service intervals with proven long-hour performance and reduced wear over time.

  • Cleaner running condition after service

    Compared with conventional coated references, iTAC® helps maintain cleaner ring land and running surface condition, supporting stronger wear control in operation.

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Do you have any question and want to know more about our services? We will be glad to support you.

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