Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA have signed a framework agreement to strengthen the delivery of air lubrication technology to the maritime industry.

Under the agreement, MMT will assume full responsibility for Manta Air Lubrication, a solution based on Foreship’s air lubrication system design.

Manta Air Lubrication is a proven energy-efficiency solution installed on more than 25 vessels. Applicable to both retrofit and newbuild projects, the technology is particularly well suited to large vessels, where it can deliver significant efficiency gains. By creating a controlled layer of air beneath the hull, the system reduces frictional resistance, helping operators lower fuel consumption and associated emissions. Typical net fuel savings range from 3% to 8%, depending on vessel type and operating profile.

As part of the framework agreement, MMT will manage the full project delivery, from feasibility studies, design, and engineering to installation, commissioning, verification, and lifecycle support. Foreship will continue to support projects with full-scale Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and specialist engineering expertise during the feasibility phase, helping evaluate technical feasibility, optimise system configuration, and establish realistic performance expectations.

Air lubrication is recognised as a mature technology with significant potential to support shipowners’ decarbonisation efforts and regulatory compliance. However, adoption has often been slowed by project complexity, integration challenges, and uncertainties regarding expected performance. This partnership brings together proven technology, specialist engineering expertise, and end-to-end project delivery to address those challenges and support wider adoption across the industry.

“We have a strong belief in the potential of air lubrication to transform maritime sustainability,” said Aleksander Askeland, CFO of Manta Marine Technologies. “This technology is an excellent fit for MMT’s portfolio of intelligent green technologies. By partnering with Foreship, we are ensuring that our customers receive a solution that is not only technically superior but can be seamlessly integrated.”

“Foreship has developed and refined an air lubrication solution through years of research, engineering, and operational experience. By combining our hydrodynamic know-how and full-scale CFD methodology with MMT’s track record in efficient system delivery and rigorous performance validation, we can help shipowners evaluate, implement, and realise the benefits of air lubrication technology with greater confidence”, said Jan-Erik Räsänen, Marine Energy Transition Executive Director at Foreship.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment by Manta Marine Technologies and Foreship to accelerating the adoption of technologies that help shipowners reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency.

Manta Air Lubrication will be officially launched at RINA & Foreship’s booth (B4.EG.310) during SMM Hamburg on 1 September at 15:30.