Floating on Air - DK Group Receives First Order for Air Cavity System

DK Group says it has received an order to install its patented Air Cavity System (ACS) technology on a 12,580 deadweight tonne (DWT) multi purpose vessel owned by Danish shipowner and ship management company Dannebrog Group. The order marks the first time DK Group’s patented fuel saving air lubrication technology has been installed on an international commercial vessel.

“Dannebrog Group’s retrofit of the Air Cavity System is a landmark moment for the adoption of clean technology, and specifically air lubrication, into the mainstream shipping market,” said DK Group’s Managing Director, NOah Silberschmidt.

How ACS works

The pioneering Air Cavity System creates a blanket of air bubbles around the vessel that reduces friction between the water and the vessels hull leading to fuel savings and CO2 reduction of up to 10%, depending on the vessel type and size.

Product Testing

DK Group says sea trials for the retrofitted 12,580 DWT multi purpose heavy lift vessel will be conducted by hydrodynamic research company HSVA and overseen by Germanischer-Lloyd, both pre and post-conversion, in order to establish and benchmark relative fuel consumption and the associated emission profile. Installation of the system should be completed in Q3 2012, and potentially rolled out across a fleet of six sister vessels.

Target Applications

Available as a retrofit for existing vessels or for newbuilds, DK Group’s ACS system is suitable for a wide range of vessels including tankers, bulk carriers, containerships and even LNG carriers. DK Group adds that the technology can be installed in just 14 days.

“With a mixed fleet of 17 vessels within the Dannebrog Group of companies, including ro-ro, containers, cargo, heavy lift, products and chemical tankers, today’s announcement reflects our long-held tradition of delivering for customers through innovative and sustainable solutions that meet regulations, reduce fuel consumption and decrease environmental impact,” added Dannebrog Group’s Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg.