Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA have signed a framework agreement under which MMT will assume full responsibility for delivering Manta Air Lubrication, a solution based on Foreship’s air lubrication system design.
The technology, which the companies say has been installed on more than 25 vessels, works by creating a controlled layer of air beneath a ship’s hull to reduce frictional resistance and thus lower fuel consumption and emissions. The companies said typical net fuel savings range from 3% to 8%, depending on vessel type and operating profile. The system is applicable to retrofit and new-build projects and is said to be particularly suited to large vessels.
Under the agreement, MMT will manage full project delivery, including feasibility studies, design, engineering, installation, commissioning, verification and lifecycle support. Foreship will continue to provide full-scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and engineering support during the feasibility phase, helping to assess technical feasibility and system configuration.
Aleksander Askeland, CFO of Manta Marine Technologies, said, “We have a strong belief in the potential of air lubrication to transform maritime sustainability. This technology is an excellent fit for MMT’s portfolio of intelligent green technologies. By partnering with Foreship, we are ensuring that our customers receive a solution that is not only technically superior but can be seamlessly integrated.”
Jan-Erik Räsänen, marine energy transition executive director at Foreship, said, “Foreship has developed and refined an air lubrication solution through years of research, engineering and operational experience. By combining our hydrodynamic know-how and full-scale CFD methodology with MMT’s track record in efficient system delivery and rigorous performance validation, we can help shipowners evaluate, implement and realize the benefits of air lubrication technology with greater confidence.”
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