Improving vessel performance with hull drag reduction technologies
18 Jun 2026
Automation and Autonomy
Day 3 Room 2 Automation and autonomy
Vessel drag reduction during operations is critical for the vessel fuel efficiency. Field data shows that the vessel performance can be heavily impacted by hull contamination with significant increase of fuel consumption between dry dockings (several times up to 20% or higher numbers are quoted). A single solution alone does not provide the full answer. This presentation will introduce and explain a suite of technologies that be combined to make a significant difference. The technologies include: Hull air lubrication, ultrasonic anti- fouling (especially at the vessel hull areas that air lubrication does not cover), robotized continuous cleaning and surface coatings with low environmental impact. Vessel performance monitoring and data analysis techniques assist the operators to maintain the vessel performance at the highest possible level.
