The South Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) launched its first LNG carrier, equipped with a developed air lubrication system (ALS), which was given to Greek shipowner Maran Gas Maritime.
The Greek company ordered the vessel in June 2016, while still has a fleet of LNG carriers on order at DSME.
DSME reports that the vessel’s air lubrication system is one of the energy saving technologies which produces air bubbles at the bottom of the vessel to create a constant sea layer between the vessel and the seawater.
This system improves the vessel’s fuel efficiency by decreasing its frictional resistance during operation/
Moreover, given that the vessel will operate for 20 years, the technology will reduce fuel costs by about one year and six months, as DSME noted.
DSME is interested in using the system aboard other vessel types, as LNG carriers, medium tankers and ultra large container vessels (ULCVs).
A representative of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering stated
With the successful delivery of ships, the company has solidified its position as a leader in LNG carrier technology.
