OceanGlide
Alfa Laval OceanGlide is a unique air lubrication solution with fluidic technology. As a fuel-agnostic means of saving energy, it strongly supports more sustainable shipping. OceanGlide creates an even and controllable air layer across the entire flat bottom of the vessel, which is the best setup for reducing friction between the hull and the water. The reduction in drag means less propulsion power needed, lower fuel costs and less CO2 emitted into the atmosphere – as well as less marine noise.
A smooth path to real energy savings
- Fuel-agnostic technology reduces energy needs – no matter which fuel is used
- Significant propulsion power savings improve sustainability scores (EEDI, EEXI, CII) and limit exposure to carbon taxation
- Fluidic solution uses few compressors to produce an even and dynamic air layer that maximizes drag reduction
- Easy installation, even as a retrofit – no large sea chests, minimal penetrations and free compressor placement
Alfa Laval OceanGlide is a patented, next-generation solution that truly delivers on air lubrication’s promise. By combining air lubrication with fluidic technology, it creates an even air layer with high efficiency and little compressor power. The dynamic air layer, which covers the vessel’s entire flat bottom, can be controlled and optimized thanks to air distribution bands that divide it into sections.
OceanGlide’s innovative setup makes it easy to install on any vessel – new or existing. There are no sea chests, no compressor placement requirements and only minimal hull penetrations. All vessels can benefit from the reduction in specific drag, which leads to substantial and reliable propulsion power savings. The result is lower fuel consumption and CO2 output, which means improved sustainability scores (EEDI, EEXI and CII) and less exposure to carbon taxation.
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How fluidic air lubrication works
Alfa Laval OceanGlide is unique in combining air lubrication with fluidics – the control of fluid pressure and flow by means of precisely shaped channels, without any moving parts. This patented integration means OceanGlide needs no sea chests or large hull penetrations, and it produces the air layer with unmatched efficiency.
OceanGlide divides the vessel’s flat bottom into sections, each with its own air distribution band. At the rear of each band is a row of fluidic oscillators, which are the individual air distribution units. Using fluidics, the oscillators release air evenly and with very little compressor power. This results in a thin and homogenous air layer.
Air distribution bands offer the best possible setup for reducing friction in real-life conditions. With their hydrodynamic, wing-shaped profile, the bands add almost no drag when the air lubrication system is switched off. More importantly, each band can be steered independently, which allows optimization of the air layer by section. Together with the reduced number of compressors needed (1–3 on average), this maximizes the energy efficiency and propulsion power savings achieved with OceanGlide.
Easy installation – on any vessel, at any shipyard
Alfa Laval OceanGlide is quick and cost-effective to implement – not only on newbuilds but also as a retrofit solution. Having no large sea chest and only a small number of freely placed compressors, it demands far less space inside a vessel than other air lubrication systems. Outside, the air distribution bands are fast and easy to install, with minimal hull penetrations and no special training.
OceanGlide – proof in operation
Tharsis Sea-River Shipping was the first to install Alfa Laval OceanGlide. On the coaster M/V Tharsis, the technology has achieved fuel savings of up to 10% through reduced propulsion power. The company sees fluidic air lubrication is as a key technology on its path to more sustainable shipping.
A breakthrough in maritime efficiency
Fluidic air lubrication is a new innovation that significantly reduces propulsion power needs, providing payback through fuel savings in under three years. It was successfully installed on the coaster M/V Tharsis in just one week, improving efficiency with no impact on maneuverability or stability.
Fluidic air lubrication news
Read about customers who have selected OceanGlide and follow developments related to fluidic air lubrication.
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