ADNOC to install air lubrication systems on six LNG carriers

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has chosen to install air lubrication systems on six of its new LNG carriers to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

PHOTO: LNG carrier at sea. Silverstream Technologies

UK-based Silverstream Technologies has partnered with Chinese shipbuilder China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Jiangnan Shipyard to install the air lubrication system on the six LNG carriers.

The air lubrication system uses air from air release units (ARUs) in the hull to generate air bubbles that run continuously beneath the ship’s surface, forming a coat of air that reduces friction significantly. The company claims that the technology can reduce net fuel consumption and emissions by 5-10%.

The vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.

Silverstream Technologies says it has been seeing rapid adoption of this air lubrication system among shipowners and operators looking to cut fuel consumption and emissions.

This month, Italian shipping company Grimaldi Group installed air lubrication on five of its vessels, and Chinese shipping company China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) chose to install the system on four of its LNG carriers.

By Tuhin Roy

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