MMT to Deliver Foreship’s Air Lubrication Technology

Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA have signed a framework agreement aimed at strengthening the delivery of air lubrication technology to the maritime industry. Under this agreement, MMT will assume full responsibility for Manta Air Lubrication, a solution derived from Foreship's established air lubrication system design. This information was reported by Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide.

The Manta Air Lubrication system is described as a proven energy-efficiency solution, currently installed on more than 25 vessels. It is applicable to both retrofit and newbuild projects and is particularly suited for large vessels, where it can yield notable efficiency improvements. The technology operates by creating a controlled layer of air beneath the hull, which reduces frictional resistance. This mechanism assists operators in lowering fuel consumption and associated emissions. Typical net fuel savings achieved by the system range from 3% to 8%, varying based on vessel type and operational profile.

Project Delivery and Expertise

As part of the framework agreement, MMT will manage the entire project delivery process. This encompasses feasibility studies, design, engineering, installation, commissioning, verification, and ongoing lifecycle support. Foreship will continue to provide support during the feasibility phase, contributing full-scale Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and specialised engineering expertise. This support is intended to aid in evaluating technical feasibility, optimising system configurations, and establishing realistic performance expectations.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Air lubrication is recognised as a mature technology with potential to support shipowners' decarbonisation efforts and regulatory compliance. However, its adoption has often been impeded by project complexity, integration challenges, and uncertainties regarding expected performance. According to Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide, this partnership aims to address these issues by combining established technology, specialist engineering expertise, and end-to-end project delivery to facilitate wider adoption across the industry.

Aleksander Askeland, CFO of Manta Marine Technologies, stated his belief in air lubrication's potential to enhance maritime sustainability, noting its fit within MMT's portfolio of intelligent green technologies. He added that the partnership with Foreship ensures customers receive a technically superior solution that can be seamlessly integrated. Jan-Erik Räsänen, Marine Energy Transition Executive Director at Foreship, commented on Foreship’s refinement of the air lubrication solution through research and operational experience. He added that combining Foreship's hydrodynamic knowledge and CFD methodology with MMT's system delivery and performance validation track record will assist shipowners in evaluating, implementing, and realising the benefits of air lubrication technology with greater confidence. This collaboration is presented as a reflection of both companies' commitment to accelerating the adoption of technologies that reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency for shipowners.