Odfjell Ship Management has selected the Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system, based on patented fluidic technology, to be installed on one of the company’s tankers.
The recently-acquired OceanGlide technology is aimed at supporting shipowners in addressing fuel and emission challenges. Alfa Laval has signed an agreement with chemical tanker company Odfjell to install OceanGlide on a tanker later tin 2023. Odfjell is known for embracing new technologies for improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of its global deep-sea fleet. By installing OceanGlide, Odfjell aims at enhancing further its tanker operations by gaining the advantage of this innovative technology.
OceanGlide integrates fluidic technology into air lubrication to optimise energy saving. The patented and class-approved system utilises fluidic oscillators to generate an even layer of micro air bubbles across a vessel’s entire flat bottom, reducing friction and drag. By reducing the vessel’s resistance, the OceanGlide system offers a proven method for reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Anders Lindmark, Business Unit President, Heat and Gas Systems, Alfa Laval said: “We are delighted that Odfjell has selected OceanGlide to enhance their vessel’s energy efficiency. We strive to develop and bring innovative and environment-friendly technologies, such as OceanGlide, to our customers which support them in meeting their decarbonisation targets and enable them to sail efficiently.”
Erik Hjortland, VP Technology Odfjell said: “Odfjell has installed more than 130 energy-saving devices on its vessels since 2014. In Q1 2023 we reported a historical low carbon intensity – more than 50% below the IMO baseline for our fleet. Our decarbonisation efforts do not stop with this achievement – now the time has come to start deploying more enhanced technologies. We believe fluidic air lubrication technology is a natural next step for us, and we look forward to deploying the OceanGlide system to further reduce our carbon intensity.”
One of the claimed advantages of Alfa Laval OceanGlide is the ability to regulate power consumption through oscillation bands. OceanGlide uses fluidic technology to create streamlined sections on the vessel’s flat bottom, each with its own fluidic band that generates bubbles. The independent steering of each band allows a more controlled and streamlined flow of air bubbles for ensuring optimal efficiency, maximum coverage, and reduced compressor power.
Hjortland added: “The unique configuration of bands into sections for a regulated flow of air bubbles is a distinguishing feature of the OceanGlide system. This set-up allows for precise control and optimization of power consumption, and we look forward to documenting its energy-saving effect on our chemical tankers.”
The OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system’s efficiency in producing bubbles not only ensures an effective air layer with fewer compressors but also provides the added advantage of conveniently positioning them anywhere on board. The system requires no structural modifications or vessel recertification, which makes it suitable for retrofitting as well as for new builds. The fluidic bands, designed with a low profile and no moving parts, can be configured underneath the ship at any shipyard with ease.
Air lubrication technology is recognized by IMO as an ‘Innovative Energy Efficiency Technology’ to lower carbon emissions. The technology supports compliance with EEXI, EEDI and CII requirements. Besides this, the fluidic air lubrication technology minimises CO2 emissions thereby helping in limiting CO2 taxes.
