ClassNK Certifies Ship with Air Lubrication System

ClassNK has completed the EEDI appraisal of Harvest Frost, the world’s first post-panamax bulk carrier fitted with the Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System (MALS). The Harvest Frost was constructed by Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for ADM Harvest Shipping in accordance to ClassNK rules and guidance.

Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with support of ClassNK’s Joint R&D for Industry Program, MALS uses specialized blowers to create a layer of bubbles that flow along the bottom of a hull to improve fuel efficiency by reducing frictional resistance.

While EEDI is calculated and evaluated primarily based on hull form, ship speed, and engine efficiency, the IMO has also established guidelines for including the effect of innovative new technologies, such as MALS, in the verification and calculation of a vessel’s EEDI. The appraisal and certification of the EEDI of the MALS-equipped Harvest Frost is understood to be the first time that the effect such an innovative technology has been evaluated part of a vessel’s EEDI.

ClassNK has supported the development of EEDI regulations throughout the deliberation and enforcement stages at the IMO. ClassNK carried out the very first EEDI evaluations as part of the deliberation process at the IMO, and today has carried out EEDI certifications for over 150 vessels.