Howden signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Foreship, a leader in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Howden and Foreship have signed a cooperation agreement focused on streamlining the ship building design process to incorporate Howden’s HV-TURBO compressors in Air Lubrication Systems (ALS), suitable for all types of vessels. The Air Lubrication technology blows micro air bubbles under the hull of the vessel to reduce the resistance generated between the ship’s hull and the water, saving fuel as a result. Distributed across the hull’s surface, The ALS can save up to 8% on fuel consumption, also reducing carbon emissions. This solution can support ship owners and operators in meeting their carbon saving targets, in line with entry into force of the new Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency eXisting ship Index (EEXI) regulations, from 1 January 2023.

Howden and Foreship have worked closely together since 2015 when we supplied and installed turbo compressors for the first Air Lubrication System. Since then, together we have installed several ALS systems with Howden’s KA5 and KA10 turbo compressors on cruise vessels.

The new partnership solidifies strong synergies coming from Foreship’s many years of experience in ship design and Howden’s position as the market leader in air and gas handling. Together, we will improve the overall efficiency of vessels to support the industry in its drive to reduce its total CO2 emissions by 50% by the end of 2050.

 Jan-Erik Rasanen, Chief Technology Officer at Foreship commented: “We are excited to build on our extensive experience in ALS technology and formalise our relationship to integrate the renowned quality, reliability and efficiency of Howden compression systems. Together, we offer the expertise, standardisation and scale-manufacturing that the marine industry needs.”