Manta Air Lubrication

What is Air Lubrication?

Manta Air Lubrication is delivered through Foreship by RINA’s proven CFD-driven air lubrication design, combined with high-efficiency turbo compressors, Manta-developed controls and full turnkey project delivery.

Air lubrication is a proven method of reducing hull friction and lowering fuel consumption, with more than 25 systems have already been delivered worldwide.

Typical net fuel savings range from 3–8%, depending on vessel type and operating profile.

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Performance Monitoring & Regulatory Compliance

Fuel savings contribute directly towards:  

• IMO CII improvement
• EU ETS fees & FuelEU Maritime compliance support
• EEXI and energy efficiency objectives

Paired with Manta’s Air Lubrication control system, FuelOpt, Fleet Analytics and support from Manta’s Fleet Performance Team, the savings can be monitored, verified and translated into regulatory reporting support. The ALS control system continuously samples operating data and ensures the optimal airflow in real time, accounting for vessel speed, draft, sea state and trim. Integration with FuelOpt ensures the system operates in sync with the vessel’s propulsion profile, maximising net savings without manual intervention through fixed power, fixed speed or combined consumption targeting.  

Fleet Analytics provides continuous performance monitoring, CII tracking and voyage performance forecasting, with structured data supporting independent third-party verification aligned with DNV RP-0695 and ISO 19030. Manta’s Fleet Performance Team provides performance verification reports, CII forecasting and benchmarking, Fleet Analytics digital platform support, crew and super-user training, and emissions reporting for regulatory compliance.

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How Manta Air Lubrication Works

The system introduces compressed air beneath the vessel through air distribution boxes fitted with Air distribution plates, the perforated plates that distribute airflow across the vessel’s flat bottom.  

Each installation is typically configured with 6–10 air distribution box pairs with Air distribution plates and only one to two compressors per vessel, depending on hull geometry, required airflow and installation conditions.  

These generate a controlled air layer that reduces frictional resistance between the vessel and the surrounding water.  

Lower resistance means lower required propulsion power. Lower propulsion power demand means lower fuel consumption.  

The principle is simple. Consistently delivering the expected savings is the engineering challenge.

Where the savings come from

Reduced Hull Friction

Frictional resistance accounts for 40–80% of total hull resistance.  

Air lubrication reduces this friction by introducing a layer of microbubbles beneath the vessel, reducing drag and the propulsion power required to maintain speed.  

Compressor Efficiency

Air lubrication systems do not save fuel solely by generating air. They save fuel by generating air efficiently.

Manta Marine utilises single-stage turbo compressors selected specifically for air lubrication applications.  

Compared with many competing solutions, this reduces system complexity: Manta Air Lubrication typically requires only 1-2 compressors instead of 4-12 conventional compressors, and 6–10 air injection points instead of 20+ distribution box pairs.

Higher compressor efficiency directly improves net fuel savings while reducing maintenance requirements and installation costs.

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The Manta Marine Advantage

Manta Marine manages the full journey

The air lubrication design is based on Foreship by RINA’s CFD methodology, developed through more than fifteen years of air lubrication design and operational experience.

This design approach is calibrated against real vessel data, supporting more accurate fuel-saving predictions before investment decisions are made.

Manta Marine then manages the full project delivery around that design, from feasibility and engineering to installation support, commissioning, verification and lifecycle support.

This gives shipowners one accountable delivery partner across the full project scope:

Feasibility & CFD Analysis: Vessel screening, CFD performance prediction by Foreship, and ROI analysis.  

Contract & Detailed Engineering: System design, class approval drawings, yard/owner interface management, procurement.  

Supervision & Integration: On-site supervision of installation, compressor and control system integration.  

Commissioning & Performance Verification: Sea trials, third-party performance verification, system tuning & crew training.  

Lifecycle Support: Warranty, maintenance agreements, remote performance monitoring and support in Fleet Analytics, and emissions reporting for regulatory compliance.