Alfa Laval OceanGlide Fluidic Air Lubrication Chosen by Rio Tinto

Alfa Laval has been chosen by Rio Tinto, the world’s largest dry bulk shipper, to provide their OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system for one of their bulk carriers. This system is designed to enhance propulsion efficiency and save energy while sailing, aligning with Rio Tinto’s focus on boosting vessel energy efficiency and decarbonizing shipping. The company aims to assess the energy-efficient technology for its fleet by retrofitting one of its vessels with the OceanGlide system.

The Alfa Laval OceanGlide system, introduced in 2023, has garnered interest from shipowners looking to address energy efficiency and emission challenges. It has been proven to reduce specific drag by 50-75%, leading to significant propulsion power savings, lower fuel consumption, and reduced CO2 emissions. This makes it a future-proof solution for improving vessel performance and supporting sustainability initiatives.

The OceanGlide system combines air lubrication with fluidic technology to create an efficient air layer with minimal compressor power. By dividing the vessel’s bottom into segments with independent fluidic bands, it allows for controlled airflow to reduce friction between the hull and water. The system requires minimal structural modifications and can be easily adapted to existing ships without major changes, making it suitable for retrofitting and new builds. Alfa Laval is proud to support Rio Tinto in their decarbonization journey and contribute to a more sustainable future through innovative solutions like OceanGlide.

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