Air Induced friction Reducing ship Coating
The Air Induced friction Reducing ship COATing (AIRCOAT) project aims to develop a passive air lubrication technology inspired by the Salvinia effect. Applying the AIRCOAT technology to ship-hull surfaces will produce a thin permanent air layer when submerged in water. This will reduce the overall frictional resistance, while acting as a physical barrier between water and the hull surface. In addition to reducing energy consumption, the air barrier will inhibit the attachment of maritime organisms (biofouling).
AIRCOAT aims to introduce a game-changing hull-coating and validate its potential to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency, by
- Reducing frictional resistance
- Reducing emission of pollutants
- Reducing biofouling
- Designing application and production procedures
- Improving public awareness of AIRCOAT technology
Please have a look at the explanation of the AIRCOAT technology in the following video:
More information about the project can be found at the project website.