Armada to install air lubrication tech on CoolCo’s LNG carrier

UK-based tech firm Armada Technologies has signed a contract with Bermuda-based LNG carrier owner and operator Cool Company (CoolCo) to install an air lubrication system on a CoolCo’s vessel.

As informed, the technology will be installed on a CoolCo’s ship scheduled to dry dock in 2024. Once commissioned, CoolCo will conduct sea trials and provide documentation to Armada, following ISO or ITTC guidance, to measure the system’s performance.

“We are delighted to introduce our advanced passive air lubrication system (PALS) to the maritime industry through this collaboration with CoolCo. Our PALS, which utilizes tailored bubble production design for each ship’s characteristics, including speed, draft and weather conditions, eliminates the need for continuously running compressors. Conducting sea tests with CoolCo will enable us to optimize the system even further using our machine learning algorithms,” Armada CEO Alex Routledge said.

“We are pleased to be working with Armada Technologies. We selected Armada for its system’s performance potential and its minimal impact on the crew due to the absence of rotating equipment,” CoolCo CEO Richard Tyrrell noted.

Armada Technologies is developing the world’s first naturally aspirated air lubrication system or passive air lubrication system. In contrast to existing solutions, Armada’s system operates in a semi-passive mode and enables discreet control of system output with the complete decoupling of system lubricity from ship speed. 

In 2022, Armada entered into a collaborative agreement with US provider of ballast water treatment systems Ecochlor for technical assistance and global sales and marketing support.

Meanwhile, CoolCo is committed to reducing its fleetwide carbon intensity and surpassing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets for 2030. The goal is to achieve a 35% reduction in fleetwide carbon intensity, compared to 2019.

Through the partnership with Armada Technologies, CoolCo wants to take a meaningful stride toward achieving its sustainability goals.