Air Cavity System Might Save Fuel

FORCE Technology (Denmark) is conducting trials of a new air cushion technology that may be able to reduce the energy consumption of large container vessels and freighters and limit CO2 emissions. The Air Cavity System (or ACS) as the new technology is called, is developed by the Danish inventor, Jørn Winkler (DK Group). The technology is fundamentally based on pumping compressed air into an elongated cavity under the vessel’s hull.

A cushion of air is achieved beneath the hull, reducing the frictional resistance between the hull and surrounding water. Based on model tests of 8m scale models at FORCE Technology, Division for Maritime Industry, the ACS technology indicate savings of 10-15% in calm weather conditions, which for a 300,000 DWT VLCC corresponds to annual fuel savings of approximately DKK 3.5 million, and reduced CO2 emissions of approximately 6,000 tons per year.