Air cavity system technology now for existing vessels
The ACS system - principle of operation
DK Group CEO Ken Bloch Sörensen says quick payback retrofit technology will open the door to wider markets as fuel prices and emissions regulations drive efficiency.
Dutch fuel-saving specialist DK Group has announced the launch of its air cavity system (ACS) retrofit for existing vessels.
The technology - a development of the original ACS that was specifically designed for new vessels – can, says the company, be retrofitted at a standard drydocking or in most ship and repair yards in about 14 days.
ACS Retrofit, which sea trials have shown can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% depending on vessel type, is said to offer an average fuel cost payback of under two years at current bunker fuel prices, with some ship classes achieving substantially better payback periods. Through continual research and development, DK’s founder Jorn Winkler and his team say that they have managed to reduce the size and length of the cavity of the ACS system by 90% since it was first developed.
DK Group, which claims over 10 years of experience in developing air lubrication technology for ocean going vessels, has recently appointed Ken Bloch Sörensen as chief executive officer. Sörensen has previously been chief executive of United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), executive director of the European Liner Affairs Association, senior vice president of NOL Group, as well as 18 years working with A.P. Moller - Maersk.
Sörensen commented: “One of the key attractions in taking the position of CEO with DK Group was the understanding that ACS could be adapted to exsisting vessels and provide an offering for ship owners and operators that will be hard to turn down given the current market cycle of needing to drive efficiences, high bunker fuel prices, reduction in long term vessel orders and impending environmental legislation.
“Few, if any, current efficiency technologies provide such a simple retrofit procedure with such significant payback timelines. ACS Retrofit is a proven technology following rigorous testing on our own test ship ACS Demonstrator – the only demonstration vessel in the market.”
Winkler said: “I am delighted that a person of Ken’s calibre and experience has decided to join DK Group, which provides real validation for ACS Retrofit as well as the market opportunity. The company is now well positioned to reap the rewards as the industry begins to respond to the demands for eco-efficiency. We have a viable and proven technology, and now we have a CEO that understands the dynamics of the shipping industry, as well as real access to the contacts and networks that are essential in taking ACS Retrofit to market.”
The company says that ACS can be installed on existing and newbuild vessels for many classes of vessels in the ocean-going commercial fleet, including: tanker vessels, containerships, bulk carriers, general cargo ships and LNG/LPG vessels. ACS will continue to be offered to shipowners building new vessels in tandem with ACS for existing vessels.Images for this article - click to enlarge
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