The Air Cavity System (or ACS) as the new technology is called, is developed by the Danish inventor, Jørn Winkler. The technology is fundamentally based on pumping compressed air into an elongated cavity under the vessel’s hull. A cushion of air is achieved beneath the hull, reducing the frictional resistance between the hull and surrounding water.

Based on model tests of 8m scale models at FORCE Technology, Division for Maritime Industry, the ACS technology indicate savings of 10-15% in calm weather conditions, which for a 300,000 DWT VLCC corresponds to annual fuel savings of approximately DKK 3.5 million, and reduced CO2 emissions of approximately 6,000 tons per year.

From towing tank to open sea
FORCE Technology has provided maritime expertise and knowledge, and the technology has been tested and optimised in the towing tank. Now the new technology will take its final test on an 83 metre multi purpose vessel to be converted with the new technology. FORCE Technology will be acting as an independent expert to document the findings.

“In the past, inventors has puzzled with the idea of reducing oil consumption of ships using air lubrication systems.  But this is the first time the technology is taken to its full,” says engineer Thomas Eefsen of FORCE Technology. According to Thomas Eefsen, a decisive point will be to demonstrate the same positive findings for the remodelled ship as the ones shown in the tank tests.