UK company Howden, a provider of air and gas handling products, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with naval architecture and engineering company Foreship, focused on streamlining the shipbuilding design process to incorporate Howden’s HV-Turbo compressors in air lubrication systems (ALS), suitable for all types of vessels.
The air lubrication technology blows micro air bubbles under the hull of the vessel to reduce the resistance generated between the ship’s hull and the water, saving fuel and emissions. Distributed across the hull’s surface, the ALS can save up to 8% on fuel consumption, also reducing carbon emissions. This solution can support ship owners and operators in meeting their carbon saving targets, in line with CII and EEXI regulations.
Massimo Bizzi, COO Howden, said: “Howden and Foreship have worked closely together since 2015, when we supplied and installed turbo compressors for the first Air Lubrication System. Since then, together we have installed several ALS systems with Howden’s KA5 and KA10 turbo compressors on cruise vessels. The new partnership solidifies strong synergies coming from Foreship’s many years of experience in ship design and Howden’s position as the market leader in air and gas handling. Together, we will improve the overall efficiency of vessels to support the industry in its drive to reduce its total CO2 emissions by 50% by the end of 2050.”
Jan-Erik Rasanen, CTO Foreship, added: “We are excited to build on our extensive experience in ALS technology and formalise our relationship to integrate the renowned quality, reliability and efficiency of Howden compression systems. Together, we offer the expertise, standardisation and scale-manufacturing that the marine industry needs.”
Howden focuses on energy efficiency and effectiveness of air and gas handling processes to make gains in terms of sustainability. The company’s aim is to be carbon net zero by 2035 through the purchase of renewable energy and carbon free energy; efficiency gains from energy conservation measures; and renewable energy projects at its manufacturing facilities. The largest impact the business will have on global sustainability will be through its partnership with customers to supply equipment that will make a major impact on their carbon emissions and sustainability.
