Irish Ferries & Armada Advance Ferry Air Lubrication | Mariner News

Irish Ferries and Armada Technologies are making significant strides in their air lubrication project, moving into the engineering and integration design phase for the ro-pax ferry W.B. Yeats. This innovative initiative aims to validate the real-world performance of air lubrication technology, providing a crucial pathway for Irish Ferries to significantly reduce bunker fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. This advancement underscores a strong commitment to sustainable shipping practices across the maritime industry.

Advancing Sustainable Shipping Technology

The collaboration, which began in 2023 with a detailed vessel-specific analysis, now focuses on integrating the air lubrication system. This current phase evaluates the practical installation during a potential future drydock, pending commercial agreements. The project’s success will offer Irish Ferries a viable option to enhance operational fuel efficiency and achieve environmental compliance targets, setting a precedent for greener ferry operations.

How Air Lubrication Enhances Efficiency

Armada’s passive air lubrication system operates by minimizing friction between the hull and water. Pods mounted beneath the vessel utilize the ship’s forward motion and the Venturi effect to draw in air. This air then mixes with seawater and is released along the hull, forming a thin air-water layer that significantly reduces hydrodynamic resistance. Crucially, this design avoids energy-intensive compressors, making it a highly efficient and self-sustaining maritime technology for genuine fuel savings and reduced environmental impact in shipping.