MARIN is advancing the understanding of air lubrication systems with new full-scale measurement solutions aimed at quantifying their true effectiveness.

As air lubrication systems are increasingly installed on ships, questions remain about their actual energy-saving potential and optimal operation under real conditions.

To address this, MARIN is developing a suite of innovative sensors to observe and measure the local behaviour of the air lubrication layer. These include observation equipment, gas fraction sensors and wall shear stress sensors, each providing insights into flow characteristics and performance impacts.

By combining these measurement techniques, shipowners can gain clearer, data-driven insight in how air lubrication influences speed, power and efficiency, supporting more informed operational decisions and system optimisation.

Photo: Eric Bakker

MARIN and Port of Rotterdam renew long-standing partnership

MARIN and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have strengthened their long-standing partnership with a renewed framework agreement signed on 13 May by the port authority’s CFO Vivienne de Leeuw and MARIN’s President Olaf Waals.

The collaboration spans decades, including MARIN’s involvement in the development of Maasvlakte 2. Today, joint work covers a wide range of studies, from a new city bridge near Feyenoord stadium to future berthing strategies, safety analyses for alternative fuels, and potential seaward expansion.

Replacing the 2013 agreement, the updated framework streamlines collaboration by clarifying tender procedures and intellectual property and payment arrangements—reducing time and costs for both parties.

Effective immediately, the agreement will run until at least May 2028, supporting continued innovation at one of the world’s leading ports. For more information contact Hugo Ammerlaan.

Artificial soft biofouling patterns at increasing flow velocities, leading to an increase in hydrodynamic drag.

The Foul-less Joint Industry Project aims to bring together international expertise to tackle the impact of biofouling on ship performance. A multidisciplinary initiative, the project will combine experiments, hydrodynamics, onboard sensors, data science and biological knowledge to better understand and predict how fouling affects fuel consumption.

Biofouling can significantly increase double fuel consumption, yet its effects remain difficult to measure and predict. The Foul-less JIP will integrate measurements, modelling, and operational data to deliver a decision‑support toolbox for optimising hull maintenance and coating strategies.

Participants will gain direct access to validated methods, data and tools to better understand and manage biofouling in practice, reduce uncertainty in performance evaluation, and strengthen their ability to make informed, cost-effective decisions.

If you would like to join the JIP, please visit
marin.nl/jips/foul-less or contact Ignacio Martinez Samalea.