Atlas Copco Blowers and Compressors for Hull Air Lubrication

Atlas Copco supplies oil-free, low-pressure blowers and compressors for hull air lubrication systems (ALS). Air lubrication pushes low-pressure air under the hull to form a layer of microbubbles that reduces friction and drag, cutting propulsion power, fuel consumption and CO2/NOx emissions. The units deliver steady air at a pressure matched to the vessel's draught for stable bubble formation, for newbuilds and retrofits.

Key features

• Oil-free screw technology; ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification so no oil enters the air network or the sea
• Variable speed drive available for additional energy savings
• Plug-and-play design for quick setup
• Low noise levels on board
• Suitable for centralized or decentralized ALS layouts
• Fuel savings of around 4% on smaller vessels, with potentially double that on larger vessels (per source)

Marine design

• Marine type-approved motors and frequency drives
• Halogen-free cables and wires (IEC 60092); flame-retardant cables (IEC 60332-1 and IEC 60332-3A)
• Base frame with reinforced anchoring holes; marine-compliant door stopper on electric cubicle
• Fixed connections, eliminating moving cables, wires and flexible hoses
• Operating temperature range –10°C to 45°C, optional winterization down to –20°C

Other applications

The same low-pressure air technology serves ballast water de-icing, sewage treatment, deballasting and pneumatic conveying.