Alfa Laval buys air lubrication firm

Alfa Laval has announced its takeover of Rotterdam-based Marine Performance System BV (MPS), a maritime technology company that has developed a fluidic air lubrication system, FluidicAL, which is claimed to be the first of its kind.

Alfa Laval first acquired a minority stake in MPS in 2021. With this latest move, MPS will be fully integrated into the Alfa Laval brand, enabling what is likely to be an accelerated take-up of the patented FluidicAL system.

Alfa Laval has estimated that a ship’s frictional resistance can account for up to 60% of operating costs. The MPS technology uses fluidics to generate micro air bubbles with a high degree of control, producing an air layer that covers the entire flat bottom of a vessel.

FluidicAL can be easily retrofitted to existing ships because it requires no structural modifications or vessel recertification. With a small footprint, the system can be configured and optimised for specific ship layouts. It is also suitable for newbuildings.  

President of Alfa Laval’s Heat & Gas Systems Business Unit, Anders Lindmark, said: "By adding air lubrication system into our portfolio, we are thrilled to further expand our offering of energy-efficient and sustainable solutions to our customers. Since 2021, we have been closely supporting the development of MPS’ air lubrication technology, and we are impressed with the performance of the fluidic air lubrication systems we have installed on board vessels."

The IMO recognises air lubrication as an ‘Innovative Energy Efficiency Technology’ which can reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions. It is likely to prove a useful means of reducing a ship’s carbon intensity rating and saving money under future carbon tax regimes.