New Air Lubrication Technology Could Help Ships Cut Fuel Use And Accelerate Maritime Decarbonisation

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

Samadrita Mukherjee

A dedicated Digital News Writer with experience in creating accurate, engaging, and SEO-optimized news content for digital platforms. Skilled in researching, verifying facts, and producing timely articles on travel, tourism, aviation, visa updates, and breaking news. Strong understanding of WordPress, SEO best practices, Google Discover guidelines, and audience-focused content strategies. Capable of crafting compelling headlines, optimizing content for search visibility, and maintaining high editorial standards under tight deadlines. Committed to delivering credible, informative, and reader-friendly news while adapting to evolving digital publishing trends and organizational requirements.

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September 3, 2026 11:48 AM

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More efficient and environmentally-friendly operations in the maritime industry seem to be coming into reach due to air lubrication technology for ships which is now being commercially supported through the collaboration of Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA. Both companies have agreed on a framework deal to increase the deliveries of Manta Air Lubrication which is a system created to minimize friction, save fuel and assist in decarbonization.

As per the terms of the deal, MMT would be fully responsible for providing Manta Air Lubrication which is based on the air lubrication system design from Foreship. This system has been installed on more than 25 vessels and it is capable of being delivered on both the vessels which have already been built and on the ones that are yet to be built.

For cruise operators, passenger ships and maritime tourism industry, it might be quite significant to improve the efficiency of vessels in order to minimize their environmental impact.

What Has Changed In The Maritime Technology Partnership?

The agreement brings together Foreship’s engineering expertise and MMT’s technology delivery capabilities to make air lubrication systems easier for shipowners to assess, install and operate.

Air lubrication works by creating a controlled layer of air beneath a vessel’s hull, reducing friction between the ship and the water.

Key Elements Of The New Collaboration

The partnership aims to simplify adoption by providing shipowners with support throughout the entire project process, from early feasibility assessments to installation and long-term support.

Why This Matters For Cruise And Maritime Travellers

Although passengers may not directly see ship efficiency technologies, they influence the future of travel by helping operators reduce fuel use and emissions.

Cruise companies, ferry operators and other passenger vessel owners are under growing pressure to improve environmental performance while continuing to provide reliable global transport.

How Cleaner Ship Technology Could Affect Future Travel

• Supports lower-emission vessel operations.
• Helps operators reduce fuel consumption.
• Encourages more sustainable cruise development.
• Improves long-term operational efficiency.
• Supports maritime industry climate goals.

As sustainability becomes a larger factor in travel decisions, technologies that improve ship performance are expected to become increasingly important.

How Air Lubrication Technology Works On Ships

Air lubrication systems are designed to reduce resistance between a vessel’s hull and surrounding water.

When a ship moves through the ocean, friction between the hull and water creates resistance, requiring additional energy and fuel.

The air lubrication system introduces air beneath the hull, creating a smoother surface interaction.

Main Benefits Of The Technology

• Creates a layer of air beneath the hull.
• Reduces frictional resistance.
• Helps lower fuel consumption.
• Reduces associated emissions.
• Improves vessel efficiency.

MMT said the technology can typically deliver net fuel savings of between 3 percent and 8 percent, depending on vessel type and operational conditions.

The exact results depend on factors such as ship design, speed, route patterns and operating profile.

Why This Matters For Maritime Decarbonisation

Shipping is one of the world’s most important transport sectors, connecting economies and supporting international tourism. However, reducing emissions from large vessels remains a major industry challenge.

Air lubrication represents one approach that allows shipowners to improve efficiency without completely replacing existing vessels.

Role Of Efficiency Technologies In Cleaner Shipping

• Reduce energy demand from existing fleets.
• Support compliance with environmental regulations.
• Extend the operational life of current vessels.
• Help operators prepare for future carbon reduction targets.
• Complement other clean fuel solutions.

The technology is particularly relevant for large vessels where even small efficiency improvements can create meaningful fuel savings.

How MMT And Foreship Plan To Support Shipowners

A key part of the agreement is providing a complete project pathway rather than only supplying equipment.

MMT will oversee the full delivery process, helping shipowners move from initial evaluation to operational implementation.

Complete Project Support Includes

• Feasibility studies.
• System design.
• Engineering development.
• Installation planning.
• Commissioning.
• Performance verification.
• Lifecycle support.

This approach is designed to reduce uncertainty for operators considering air lubrication investments.

Foreship’s Engineering Role In Improving Adoption

Foreship will continue supporting projects through technical analysis, including full-scale Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies.

CFD modelling helps engineers understand how water and air interact around a vessel’s hull before installation.

Engineering Support Provided Through The Partnership

• Hydrodynamic analysis.
• Full-scale CFD evaluation.
• System configuration optimisation.
• Performance expectation modelling.
• Technical feasibility assessments.

The companies said this process will help shipowners make more informed decisions before investing in new efficiency systems.

What This Means For The Future Of Cruise Sustainability

Cruise lines are increasingly exploring ways to reduce environmental impact through improved ship design, alternative fuels and energy-saving technologies.

While fuel alternatives such as methanol, LNG and other solutions receive significant attention, efficiency technologies can provide immediate improvements across existing fleets.

Future Opportunities For Sustainable Maritime Travel

• More efficient cruise vessels.
• Lower operational fuel requirements.
• Reduced emissions from existing ships.
• Greater adoption of retrofit solutions.
• Improved sustainability reporting.

For cruise passengers, these developments could contribute to a future where greener operations become a standard part of the travel experience.

What Travellers Should Know

Passengers will not usually notice air lubrication systems during a voyage, but the technology could influence how future ships are designed and operated.

Travellers interested in sustainable cruising may increasingly consider how cruise operators invest in environmental technologies.

Before Booking A Sustainable Cruise

• Review cruise line sustainability initiatives.
• Check whether operators publish environmental commitments.
• Consider newer ships with efficiency technologies.
• Look for information on emissions reduction strategies.
• Compare sustainability efforts across cruise brands.

Technology adoption across the maritime sector will continue to depend on investment decisions, regulations and operational requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is air lubrication technology for ships?

Air lubrication technology reduces hull friction by creating a controlled layer of air beneath a vessel, helping improve efficiency.

How much fuel can air lubrication save?

According to MMT, typical net fuel savings can range from 3 percent to 8 percent depending on vessel type and operating conditions.

Can existing ships use this technology?

Yes. The system can be installed on both retrofit projects and newbuild vessels.

How many vessels currently use Manta Air Lubrication?

MMT said the technology has already been installed on more than 25 vessels.

Why is air lubrication important for shipping?

It can help reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions and support wider maritime decarbonisation efforts.

Closing Update

The maritime industry is approaching greater efficiency and fewer emissions as air lubrication technology for ships moves toward commercial deployment in collaboration with Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA. The two firms have signed a framework agreement to provide further distribution of the Manta Air Lubrication system, which is intended to help with friction reduction, fuel savings, and de-carbonization throughout the shipping industry.Pursuant to the agreement, MMT shall assume complete responsibility for the distribution of Manta Air Lubrication, which is a product using Foreship’s proven design for an air lubrication system. Manta Air Lubrication is already operational on more than 25 vessels and is suitable for existing ships via retrofit and new builds.In the case of cruise operators and passenger shipping companies, increased efficiency in vessels could help to minimize their environmental footprint.