Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced an investment in 13 Mari, a US-based developer of drag reduction technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by improving vessel efficiency.
The ripple-shaped Flowsmart system, inspired by aircraft wings and automotive aerodynamics, is used to control water flow near the hull, reducing drag and improving performance.
The company claims that this could cut fuel consumption and GHG emissions by 3%-7% when 10 to 20 units are installed, with further reductions possible when combined with wind propulsion systems or other energy-saving devices.
The technology can be deployed on both new and existing vessels.
MOL’s investment in the company is part of its broader ‘MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2’ strategy, which targets net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
