Hull surface air layer lubrication drag reduction technology is a new energy-saving technology which can significantly reduce the friction resistance of ships. Utilizing air huge lower density & viscosity, inject air out of the bottom of ships, form and maintain a thin air layer between the hull and water – air lubrication layer, and result in decreasing viscous friction, which is an alternative way to eliminate hull resistance at its source. This technology is suitable for low-speed transport ships with large flat bottom, not only for new ships, but also for old ships.

Compared to other air layer method, small bubble or microbubbles is more realistic. In order to form and maintain the air layer, bubbles need to be injected as closed as possible to the hull, which depends not only size of bubble, slow of bubble, and place of bubble – nozzle position. 

CMES has done practical tests from a plate of hull to sample ship. There more than 10% energy saving effect was achieved.