Everllence is introducing a new technology called Engine Supported Air Lubrication (ESAL). This technology integrates hull air-lubrication with the main engine to improve overall vessel propulsion efficiency gains.
To coincide with the announcement, the company has released an industry white paper entitled, “A leap in vessel energy efficiency advancement with engine-supported air lubrication”. It explains why greater energy efficiency is a practical first step in shipping’s transition to net zero.
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Efficiency improvements as a prerequisite
Everllence argues that energy efficiency advancements offer the most reliable route to reducing emissions and costs. It positions ESAL as a practical solution that cuts fuel consumption, lowers regulatory exposure, and improves vessel efficiency by integrating hull air-lubrication with air from the main engine. This delivers value today, regardless of future fuel or regulatory outcomes.
Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, Everllence: ‘The maritime energy transition must begin with reducing energy demand. Solutions that improve efficiency today will retain their value under any credible future framework. Efficiency improvements are therefore not an alternative to the transition of fuel but a prerequisite for making it feasible.’
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Economic and environmental benefits
Pending final IMO rules, Everllence believes that ESAL already offers a clear business case. By reducing the fuel consumption of the vessel, it lowers emissions, compliance costs and exposure to fuel-price and regulatory volatility. As such, the fuel savings obtained from ESAL can deliver meaningful long-term economic and environmental benefits across a vessel’s operating life.
‘Less fuel consumed leads directly to lower absolute emissions, lower compliance costs, and lower exposure to volatility in both fuel prices and regulatory costs,’ explains Per Cato, SVP, Head of Engineering Two-Stroke, Everllence. ‘ESAL is therefore not only a technology, but a strategic response to uncertainty in the regulatory landscape. We are confident in both the technology and the efficiency improvements delivered by ESAL, having successfully conducted multiple onboard trials across several vessels.’
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6 per cent net efficiency gains
By integrating air lubrication with the main engine, ESAL improves net efficiency gains by up to six per cent. As such it reduces fuel consumption, emissions, regulatory costs and fuel demand while supporting competitiveness and the transition to net-zero shipping.
Picture: Ship wake with Engine Supported Air Lubrication (ESAL) active (photo Everllence).
