Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA have signed a framework agreement to strengthen the delivery of air lubrication technology to the maritime industry.
Under the agreement, MMT will assume full responsibility for Manta Air Lubrication, a solution based on Foreship’s air lubrication system design.
“Foreship has developed and refined an air lubrication solution through years of research, engineering and operational experience,” said Marine Energy Transition Executive Director at Foreship, Jan-Erik Rasanen.
“By combining our hydrodynamic know-how and full-scale CFD methodology with MMT’s track record in efficient system delivery and rigorous performance validation, we can help shipowners evaluate, implement, and realize the benefits of air lubrication technology with greater confidence,” added Rasanen.
“We have a strong belief in the potential of air lubrication to transform maritime sustainability,” said Aleksander Askeland, CFO of Manta Marine Technologies.
“This technology is an excellent fit for MMT’s portfolio of intelligent green technologies. By partnering with Foreship, we are ensuring that our customers receive a solution that is not only technically superior but can be seamlessly integrated.”
MMT said in a press release that Manta Air Lubrication is a proven energy-efficiency solution, installed on more than 25 vessels.
Applicable to both retrofit and newbuild projects, the technology is well suited to large vessels, where it can deliver significant efficiency gains.
By creating a controlled layer of air beneath the hull, the system reduces frictional resistance, helping operators lower fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Typical net fuel savings range from 3 percent to 8 percent, depending on vessel type and operating profile.
As part of the framework agreement, MMT will manage the full project delivery, from feasibility studies, design and engineering to installation, commissioning, verification, and lifecycle support.
Foreship will continue to support projects with full-scale Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis and specialist engineering expertise during the feasibility phase, helping evaluate technical feasibility, optimize system configuration, and establish realistic performance expectations.
Air lubrication has significant potential to support shipowners’ decarbonization efforts and regulatory compliance.
However, adoption has often been slow, and the partnership aims to address the challenges that slow it down, support adoption across the industry and help shipowners reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency.
