Our air layer drag reduction systems are designed for longevity and minimal maintenance over the service life of a vessel.

The air compressors and distribution piping that make up an ALDR use rugged, marine-grade components rated for continuous operation in harsh ocean environments.

All parts are easily accessible for routine inspection and maintenance. With basic upkeep, the hardware can function reliably for the full lifespan of a ship. The air nozzles will experience minimal corrosion and fouling due to the materials and constant airflow. Once integrated into a ship, it can provide fuel efficiency benefits over the life of the ship.

Air layer drag reduction is a proven technology that can reduce friction between a ship's hull and the water. When optimized, air layer drag reduction can deliver noteworthy efficiency improvements and cost savings.

This approach reduces friction by minimizing the portion of the hull in direct contact with water. With correctly placed low drag air release systems, the technology can distribute air evenly for a stable air layer.

Research continues to fully harness the potential of air layer drag reduction. Engineers are refining air injection methods and placement to maximize performance. Adoption has been gradual but is expected to increase overtime, as the data from current installations accumulates.

Air layer drag reduction provides a proven method to meaningfully improve ship propulsion efficiency. With ongoing development, these systems are seeing widespread implementation and are making a significant impact on global maritime transport. The technology has demonstrated the ability to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and emissions penalties for the shipping industry.

Yes, our air layer drag reduction systems can be turned off if needed since the technology is fully integrated into the ship's automation. However, there are limited operational scenarios, such as insufficient ship speed, where turning off an ALDR would provide benefits.

Unlike protruding air release systems from some competitors that create drag when not in use, our air nozzles are flush with the hull. When the ALDR is powered down, the nozzles pose no to minimal additional drag. Therefore, inherent drag is not a factor when the system is off.

Turning off the ALDR would however eliminate its resistance reduction benefits. Our system is designed for continuous operation and delivers maximum benefits through continuous optimized operation in virtually all conditions.

Several factors make air layer drag reduction systems more effective, such as larger ships with higher speed itineraries and percentages of flat bottom hull. Larger flat bottom hull surface area provides more space for a consistent, stable air layer to form and be maintained. Large ships have greater weight and engine power, so reducing their higher friction yields more significant fuel savings. Higher ship speeds increase overall friction and resistance. Reducing this elevated friction via air layer drag reduction yields comparatively higher fuel savings at faster speeds to a certain point.

Combining these factors allows our air layer drag reduction systems to deliver their greatest fuel-saving performance, compared to smaller ships, going slower speeds.

The previous technology, air lubrication systems (ALS), has been trialed on well over 150 ships across the cruise, dry bulk, container, and tankers segments, and has been shown to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. These systems can be greatly enhanced with the implementation of AirGlide AI’s patented air layer drag reduction systems (ALDR).

Air layer drag reduction (ALDR) systems have significantly improved performance by enhancing an ALS system on the largest cruise ship in the world, verified per DNV RP 0695.

AirGlide AI's software platform extends far beyond traditional sea-trial analysis by continuously monitoring vessel performance while the vessel is operating in real-world conditions. The system evaluates operational data across varying drafts, loading conditions, weather patterns, sea states, routes, speeds, and operational profiles. This allows vessel operators to understand not only whether the technology is capable of producing savings under controlled conditions, but also the actual savings being realized throughout daily operations.

This distinction is important because regulatory compliance, emissions reduction, fuel consumption, and economic performance are ultimately determined by how a vessel performs over thousands of operating hours rather than during a limited trial period. Continuous operational measurement provides a substantially larger data set and enables a more accurate assessment of long-term performance, emissions reductions, and return on investment.

The AirGlide AI platform is designed to support ongoing verification, reporting, optimization, and compliance activities by providing continuous visibility into vessel efficiency performance. As environmental regulations continue to evolve, this capability positions AirGlide AI to document and demonstrate measurable operational improvements using real-world operational data collected throughout the life of the vessel.

By combining patented Air Layer Drag Reduction technology with advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and continuous operational monitoring, AirGlide AI delivers not only a fuel-saving technology, but also a comprehensive vessel-performance intelligence platform capable of supporting fleet-wide efficiency, sustainability, and decarbonization initiatives.

Calculating fuel savings is based on sea trials with the system on and off and by recording performance data for up to three months before and after installation.

CFD analysis and (if possible) underway measurement is first done on the bare hull to determine baseline performance. Air layer drag reduction nozzles are then added to the digital model at different locations and simulations run at various speeds. This CFD analysis optimizes actual nozzle placement for maximum efficiency.

Controlled sea trials are conducted on the upgraded ship to compare efficiency with and without the air layer drag reduction system active. The onboard propulsion power sensors provide real-time load data, while factors like speed, maneuvering, hull fouling condition, wind, currents and sea state are monitored and accounted for.

By combining the computational simulations and physical trials, the fuel savings from air layer drag reduction can be accurately calculated.