Alfa acquired a minority stake in MPS in 2021. Explained Anders Lindmark, business unit president heat & gas systems, Alfa Laval, ‘By adding air lubrication systems into our portfolio, we are thrilled to further expand our offering of energy-efficient and sustainable solutions to our customers.
‘Since 2021, we have been closely supporting the development of MPS’ air lubrication technology and we are impressed with the performance of the fluidic air lubrication systems we have installed onboard vessels.’
MPS will now be fully integrated with the Alfa Laval brand.
FluidicAL
The FluidicAL system can contribute significantly towards improving ship efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and minimising emissions from ships.
The patented system requires no structural modifications or vessel recertification, which makes it suitable for retrofitting as well as for newbuilds. Having a minimal footprint and maximum flexibility, the system can be configured and optimised to the specific vessel’s design and operational profile ensuring integration with existing onboard technology seamlessly.
Fluidics and air lubrication technology
A ship’s friction when sailing is the most significant driver of its fuel consumption, representing up to 60% of a vessel’s operating expenditures, according to Alfa Laval. The advanced fluidic air lubrication system from MPS combines fluidics and air lubrication technologies to slash a ship’s friction when sailing.
The system uses the fluidics to generate micro air bubbles with a high degree of control, maintaining an air layer that covers the full flat bottom area of the vessel for maximum effectiveness. The reduction of frictional resistance working on the ship's hull results in reduced fuel consumption.
By reducing the friction, air lubrication not only supports emission abatement but provides results in fuel cost savings and improvement in overall ship efficiency, at a vessel’s normal service speed and a payback period below three years.
Meeting industry challenges
‘In today's maritime industry, solutions that lower the operational costs and minimise emissions are more critical than ever,’ Lindmark added. ‘The air lubrication system from MPS is designed keeping in mind the needs and challenges of the shipping industry. It offers shipowners access to an easy-to-install solution that provides a perfect balance of operational and financial flexibility, while significantly reducing environmental emissions.’
Air lubrication technology is recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an Innovative Energy Efficiency Technology to lower carbon emissions. The technology supports compliance with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the reduction of carbon intensity to meet IMO's carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements.
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