Pascal Technologies’ advanced control systems for ALS slash shipping emissions

Shipping is an efficient means of cargo transport, moving some 90 per cent of the world goods. It also accounts for roughly 2 per cent of global CO₂ emissions – about 1 billion metric tons per year. Unfortunately, the industry remains hard-to-abate due to ships’ high energy demands, long range requirements, and operations in remote areas.

To help solve this problem, Pascal Technologies has developed innovative air technology to reduce emissions from ships. “We are here to disrupt how marine technology works and provide technology to push industry towards a cleaner future,” states Carl Rehn, CEO at Pascal.

Pascal Technologies delivers control systems to improve the performance of air lubrication systems (ALS) on ships. The solution reduces the frictional resistance of a ship by introducing a layer of air bubbles between the water and the vessel, ensuring improved energy efficiency.

“We provide a range of different products and services to shipowners depending on how experienced they are with air lubrication systems. We work with both newbuild projects and retrofit projects,” states Rehn.

For newbuilds, the company designs and delivers complete ALS systems tailored to each vessel in partnership with Clean Marine. From feasibility assessments to energy savings projections, the solution includes Pascal’s adaptive control system designed to maximise energy efficiency under all operational conditions.

For retrofits, the company optimises existing installation and third-party systems with its advanced software and sensors. The adaptable control system fits any air lubrication installation on a wide range of vessel types.

The savings seen from ALS systems range from 5 to 10 per cent. Moreover, less energy consumption means reduced emissions and lower operating costs for shipowners.

The adaptive control systems ensure optimal energy consumption in real-time. By automatically and continuously adjusting the airflow and airflow distribution in various conditions, Pascal’s control system ensures that the ship’s the ALS system delivers the promised energy savings.

“We are helping shipowners to reduce emissions from their fleet and meet future regulations with air lubrication systems. A single large oil tanker can spend USD 10 million annually on fuel. A 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption translates to USD 1 million in savings per ship each year, while also cutting emissions. This is a clear example of profitable decarbonisation,” says Rehn.

Shipowners can choose from countless solutions claiming to achieve energy savings. One of these technologies, air lubrication systems (ALS), has been on the market for a decade and is now experiencing rapid uptake among ship owners. As of 2024, more than 500 ships have ordered or already installed ALS. This is up from zero a decade ago.

“Air-based energy efficiency solutions have the potential to revolutionise all maritime vessels, and Pascal specialises in the high-competence knowledge needed to do so – including system design, simulations, software and control systems,” concludes Carl Rehn.

Pascal’s target customers are shipowners and operators of large vessels, typically LNG, bulk, container and cruise ships.

The company also offers an air-based solution, AirHull, for smaller fast-going boats and ferries.