Alfa Laval acquired a minority stake in an innovative friction reduction technology, supporting sustainable shipping, says a press release published on their website.
About air lubrication technology
Its innovative air lubrication technology significantly reduces ships’ friction when sailing, resulting in fuel savings.
Suitable for retrofit
The patented solution can be installed on vessels of any size or fuel type and is also suitable for retrofit. The signing and closing date was 8 July 2021.
Friction Vs Fuel consumption
A ship’s friction when sailing is the most significant driver of its fuel consumption and the cost of fuel represents up to 60 percent of a vessel’s operating expenditures.
Fuel consumption has also a direct impact on greenhouse gas emissions, as reducing 1 ton of fossil fuel consumption equals the reduction of appr. 3 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Friction reduction technology
Marine Performance Systems’ air lubrication technology generates micro bubbles under the ship’s hull, reducing friction between the ship and the water by 50-70 percent enabling net fuel savings of 8-12 percent, during normal service speed.
The technology was first tested on a sea-going vessel in 2020 and the results have been confirmed by the shipowner during several months of operation.
“This innovative friction reduction technology further expands our toolbox for sustainable shipping, and with investments like this we continue to support our marine customers in their transition to more efficient and sustainable operations,” says Sameer Kalra, President of the Marine Division.
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Source: AlfaLaval
