In August 2026, Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA entered into a framework agreement aimed at enhancing the implementation of air lubrication technology within the maritime sector. As part of this collaboration, MMT will take full responsibility for Manta Air Lubrication, leveraging Foreship’s established air lubrication system design. This technology, already installed on over 25 vessels, is particularly effective for large ships, offering substantial energy efficiency improvements by creating a controlled layer of air beneath the hull, which decreases frictional resistance. Operators can expect fuel savings ranging from 3% to 8%, depending on various factors such as vessel type and operational patterns.
The agreement outlines that MMT will oversee the entire project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, design, engineering, installation, commissioning, verification, and ongoing support. Meanwhile, Foreship will contribute its expertise in full-scale Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis during the feasibility phase to assess technical viability and optimize system configurations, ensuring realistic performance expectations are set.
Both companies recognize air lubrication as a mature technology with significant potential to aid shipowners in their decarbonization efforts and compliance with regulations. However, challenges related to project complexity and integration have hindered its widespread adoption. This partnership aims to combine proven technology and specialized engineering to facilitate broader acceptance across the industry.
Aleksander Askeland, CFO of MMT, expressed confidence in the transformative potential of air lubrication for maritime sustainability, emphasizing its alignment with MMT’s portfolio of green technologies. Jan-Erik Räsänen, Marine Energy Transition Executive Director at Foreship, highlighted the collaboration’s ability to enhance shipowners’ confidence in evaluating and implementing air lubrication technology. The Manta Air Lubrication system will be officially launched at SMM Hamburg on September 1, at RINA and Foreship’s booth.
