Guidance Notes

for
Air Lubrication Systems

January 2020
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Guidance Notes for Air Lubrication System

CHAPTER 1 AIR LUBRICATION SYSTEM GUIDANCE NOTES

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

SECTION 2 ENGAGEMENT WITH LLOYD’S REGISTER

SECTION 3 GLOSSARY

SECTION 4 PRELIMINARY: APPROVAL

SECTION 5 SHIP STRUCTURES: APPROVAL

SECTION 6 PIPING AND MACHINERY: APPROVAL

SECTION 7 ELECTRICAL AND CONTROL: APPROVAL

SECTION 8 INTEGRATION: SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

SECTION 9 IN-SERVICE SURVEY

SECTION 10 SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES

SECTION 11 NOTES ON STATUTORY COMPLIANCE

SECTION 12 STATUTORY GENERAL: SURVEY AND APPROVAL

SECTION 13 STATUTORY INTEGRATION: SURVEY AND APPROVAL

SECTION 14 STATUTORY IN SERVICE: SURVEY

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Air Lubrication System Guidance Notes Chapter 1

Section 1

Section
1 Introduction

2 Engagement with Lloyd’s Register

3 Glossary

4 Preliminary: approval

5 Ship structures: approval

6 Piping and machinery: approval

7 Electrical and control: approval

8 Integration: survey and certification

9 In-service survey

10 Supporting activities

11 Notes on statutory compliance

12 Statutory general: survey and approval

13 Statutory integration: survey and approval

14 Statutory in service: survey

n Section 1
Introduction
1.1 General
1.1.1 This document provides guidelines for the integration of an Air Lubrication System (ALS), either during new construction
or in-service operation. These guidelines do not introduce any new Classification Rule requirements, they provide guidance on
existing Classification Rules that would need to be considered when installing an ALS.
1.1.2 The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) was made mandatory for new ships in July 2011 – it has the intention to
promote the use of more energy efficient equipment and engines. New ship design needs to meet the reference level for the ship
type. It is expected that this will stimulate the continued innovation and technical development of the components affecting fuel
efficiency. ALS is a documented technology for the increase of efficiency and, as such, a decrease in the assigned EEDI value.
1.1.3 It is recognised that designers, shipyards and Owners may need support during the design, construction, installation,
and testing of an ALS to demonstrate compliance with the (Lloyd's Register) Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships,
July 2019, incorporating Notice No. 1, 2, 3 & 4. Relevant statutory conventions and their associated publications have been
identified in Ch 1, 11 Notes on statutory compliance to Ch 1, 14 Statutory in service: survey, however these references are not
considered exhaustive due to possible specific regulatory requirements of individual Flag State Administrations.

1.2 Background
1.2.1 Many factors contribute towards the total resistance of a ship, including friction and viscous effects which act on the
wetted hull. The viscous seawater interacts with the vessel’s hull creating a turbulent boundary layer. The thickness of this
boundary layer depends on the sea-state, the vessel’s speed and the hull frictional resistance coefficient.
1.2.2 Over the years, several methods have been proposed to reduce the hull frictional resistance coefficient:
• Create large cavities within the bottom structure that are occupied with air;
• Create a thin layer of air by using a water-repellent paint (hydrophobic paint); and
• Create a thin layer of bubbles between the hull surface and the water.
This guidance only considers the latter.

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Section 2

1.2.3 Reducing hull friction by expelling an air stream into the turbulent flow is expected to decrease the total fuel
consumption for a given speed, or increase the speed for a specific shaft power, under certain conditions.
1.2.4 The concept relies on the reduction of hull frictional resistance through suspending air bubbles along the length.
Optimum results are generally achieved with full hull forms and operation in calmer sea states.

1.3 Considerations for marine application

1.3.1 Prior to installing an ALS, the following factors should be considered:
• hull form characteristics: the beam ratio, the extent of flat of bottom and block coefficient;
• power availability from generators;
• hazardous areas, e.g. tankers, LNG Carriers; and
• vessel’s itinerary with specific speed and draught profile.

n Section 2
Engagement with Lloyd’s Register
2.1 Objectives of approval
2.1.1 The following safety objectives are to be satisfied during the classification approval process:
• to ensure that the ALS will have no adverse effect on the safety of the ship’s occupants during expected operational
conditions or in the event of failure;
• to ensure that the ALS will have no adverse effect on the ship’s essential services during expected operational conditions or
in the event of failure; and
• to ensure that the ALS will have no adverse effect on the ship’s strength, stability, fire safety or hull integrity during expected
operational conditions or in the event of failure.

2.2 Scope of approval

2.2.1 LR approaches the approval of an ALS on the understanding that the system itself is not essential for the safe operation
of the ship, and therefore would not normally be required to be approved. However, it is recognised that poor design, poor
construction or failure of an ALS could potentially affect the safe operation of the ship. When an ALS is intended to be installed on
an LR classed ship, LR needs to be satisfied that it would not adversely affect the safe operation of the ship, or the safety of its
occupants, either during normal operation of the system or following failure.
2.2.2 The approval focuses on interfaces between the ship’s structure, mechanical, electrical and automation systems. This is
in addition to the individual components required by the Rules to be approved, irrespective of their application on board, such as
certain pressurised components.

n Section 3
Glossary
3.1 Terms and Definitions
3.1.1 For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply:

Air Delivery Unit (ADU) the arrangement from the side shell plating to the first side shell valve. Depending upon the proposed
system, there could be many of these distributed on the hull.

Air Handling Unit (AHU) the unit responsible for supplying the air to the ADU. This could be a compressor or series of
compressors, or other equivalent machinery.

Air Delivery Piping the system between the AHU and the ADU.

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Section 4

n Section 4
Preliminary: approval
4.1 Approval process
4.1.1 A process overview can be seen in Figure 1.4.1 Representation of the approval process. The design appraisal process
will consider the interfaces of the system with the ship structures and onboard equipment.

Figure 1.4.1 Representation of the approval process

4.2 Plans to be Submitted

4.2.1 To evaluate the system and to provide the appropriate approval, LR requires a general description of the machinery and
engineering systems, the affected shipboard services, its operating principles and its functionality and capability in both normal
and foreseeable abnormal conditions. The general description is to be supported by the following information (as applicable):
• System block diagram;
• Piping and Instrumentation diagrams;
• Description of operating modes, including start-up and shutdown in the respective conditions: automatic, manual and
emergency;
• Description of safety-related arrangements, including safeguards, automatic safety systems and interfaces safety systems;
• Description of connections to other shipboard machinery, equipment and systems, including electrical, mechanical, fluids and
automation;
• Plans of physical arrangements, including location, operational and maintenance access;
• Operating manuals, including instructions for start-up, operation, shutdown, maintenance, adjustments to the performance
and functionality; and
• Maintenance manuals, including instructions for routine maintenance and recommended spares inventory.

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Section 5

4.3 Manufacturing
4.3.1 Before the work is commenced, all requested plans shall be submitted to LR. All subsequent modifications are subject
to further consideration as deemed necessary. The design and arrangements will drive the level of survey necessary.

n Section 5
Ship structures: approval
5.1 General
5.1.1 The ALS structural design shall be evaluated depending on the system architecture, ship type and operational profile.

5.2 Design considerations

5.2.1 Global Hull Strength - the size and location of the ADU may directly affect the global strength. This should be
determined using the appropriate means and actioned accordingly. The global strength assessment should be revised, if
applicable, where the original Assessment by Direct Calculation, Structural Design Assessment (SDA) or (if required) Fatigue
Design Assessment (FDA) has been meaningfully deviated from.
5.2.2 Local Hull Strength - tertiary hull loads, strength and bending should be appropriately considered when designing the
ALS hull stiffeners, girders and beams, with maximum stress continuity to be achieved. The detailed design should appreciate the
limited access, fit up requirements, weld sequencing and weld procedures. The ADU shall be regarded as shell plating, and as
such the material and thickness shall be equivalent.
5.2.3 Dynamic Loading – increased dynamic forces attributed to slamming in adverse weather shall be considered and
appropriately accounted for. The requirements are ship-type dependent and shall be applied accordingly.
5.2.4 Maximum Ship Speed – rudder installations are designed for the maximum ship speed at the summer Loadline mark
at maximum propeller RPM and corresponding MCR. Attention to this specified speed should be respected or the appropriate
action taken.

5.3 Applicable Rules

5.3.1 The following are applicable from Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice
No. 1, 2, 3 & 4:
• Pt 3, Ch 2 Materials;
• Pt 3, Ch 4 Longitudinal Strength, and applicable Rules (passenger ships);
• Pt 5, Ch 1 General Requirements for the Design and Construction of Machinery.
5.3.2 The following are applicable from ShipRight Procedures:
• ClassDirect, ShipRight Procedures, Design and Construction, Structural Design Assessment;
• ClassDirect, ShipRight Procedures, Design and Construction, Fatigue Design Assessment.

5.4 Required submissions

5.4.1 Submissions shall include:
• General Arrangement (GA) of ALS (vessel specific);
• ALS hull penetration details: locations on the Shell Expansion drawing, transversal sections and longitudinal sections of area;
• Welding details;
• Detailed Structural drawings where the ADUs are intended to be installed;
• Information relating to any limitations of the vessel (service restrictions or other); and
• Docking plan showing positions of ADUs (for information).

5.5 Deliverables
5.5.1 If considered necessary, a Design Appraisal Document (DAD) shall be issued at the end of the design appraisal process.

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n Section 6
Piping and machinery: approval
6.1 General
6.1.1 The machinery and piping design and arrangements should consider all potential failure mechanisms.

6.2 Design considerations

6.2.1 Pipe materials – the ADU piping material and schedule shall be considered by LR, whereas the piping inboard is a
matter for the system designer.
6.2.2 Valves – accessibility, body and seating material, closing arrangement and control shall be considered when selecting
the appropriate valve for the appropriate location. Valves for ship-side applications shall be installed such that the section of piping
immediately inboard of the valve can be removed without affecting the watertight integrity of the hull. Indicators shall be provided
locally to the valves and cocks, showing whether they are open or shut. The ship-side valves and fittings shall be of an approved
type and made of approved material.
6.2.3 Routing – the system design should not introduce any additional hazards to the existing arrangements and take into
consideration pressure, medium and temperature therein. The side shell valve should be as close to the side shell as practicable,
taking account of tank layout, accessibility, longitudinal flexibility and existing arrangements, such as watertight bulkheads and fire
classed bulkheads/decks.
6.2.4 Pressure vessels – requirements for approval depends on the system class, as defined by the temperature, pressure
and material thickness.
6.2.5 Pressure relief – piping that is not designed to withstand the full pressure of the source supply should be provided with
pressure gauges and with relief valves and have sufficient capacity to protect the piping against excessive pressure.
6.2.6 Temperature gradients and corrosion - thermal expansion and corrosion should be considered for the complete
ALS piping system.
6.2.7 Personnel – should be appropriately protected against the hazard events associated with the pressure and
temperature of the system.

6.3 Applicable Rules

6.3.1 The following are applicable from Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice
No. 1, 2, 3 & 4:
• Pt 5, Ch 1 General Requirements for the Design and Construction of Machinery;
• Pt 5, Ch 11 Other Pressure Vessels;
• Pt 5, Ch 12 Piping Design Requirements;
• Pt 5, Ch 13 Ship Piping Systems;
• Pt 5, Ch 14 Machinery Piping Systems.

6.4 Required submissions

6.4.1 Submissions shall include:
• Diagrams and details of any additional and modified piping systems;
• Integration of the ALS and its machinery items;
• Arrangements of ALS machinery and equipment (for reference); and
• Drawings and details of any (hydraulic/pneumatic/electric) actuating mechanisms (pipe design and working pressure and
temperature, inner and outer diameters, thickness, material, etc.).

6.5 Deliverables
6.5.1 If considered necessary, a DAD is to be issued at the end of the design appraisal process.

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n Section 7
Electrical and control: approval
7.1 General
7.1.1 The electrical and control equipment should consider all potential failure mechanisms and it is to be demonstrated that
no existing equipment or functionality will be degraded due to the modification.

7.2 Design considerations

7.2.1 Power supply and balance – the electrical power balance on board is not to be adversely affected by the ALS power
demands. The electrical distribution system should be considered when determining the supply of the source power. For example,
the system could be supplied from the bow thruster switchboard as these systems are unlikely to operate simultaneously. The
electrical equipment of the ALS is to be suitably rated for the anticipated short circuits expected at the points of connection into
the electrical system. The existing discrimination arrangements of the electrical protection are not to be adversely affected due to
the installation of new circuit breakers or fuses connected into an existing electrical system.
7.2.2 Control system – the AHU would be considered as a blower during design appraisal with the applicable requirements
applied. The unit should have the functionality to be stopped both locally and remotely. The electrical requirements for fire safety
stops are to be provided locally and remotely in accordance with requirements for fire safety.
7.2.3 Hazardous areas – no air inlet, machinery or controls will be located in a gas hazardous area. If this cannot be
achieved, then LR should be advised.
7.2.4 Cable penetrations – all penetrations are to be appropriate considering the penetrated structure and the designation
of the corresponding spaces.

7.3 Applicable Rules

7.3.1 The following are applicable from Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice
No. 1, 2, 3 & 4:
• Pt 6, Ch 1 Control Engineering Systems – Addresses the submissions that are required for design review, ambient reference
and operating conditions, location and construction of electrical equipment, earthing and bonding;
• Pt 6, Ch 1, 1 General requirements;
• Pt 6, Ch 1, 2.1 General to Pt 6, Ch 1, 2.10 Programmable electronic systems - General requirements;
• Pt 6, Ch 1, 7.1 General and Pt 6, Ch 1, 7.4 Record of trials;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 5 Supply and distribution – Systems of supply/distribution allowed on ships, isolation/switching and motor
controls;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 6 System design – Protection – Protection types and devices;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 7 Switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Switchgear and control gear assemblies and switchgear
instrumentation;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 8 Protection from electric arc hazards within electrical equipment – Protection from electric arc hazards within
electrical equipment such as motor starter panels, distribution boards, etc.;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 9 Rotating machines – Electrical rotating machines (generators and motors);
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 10 Converter equipment – Transformers, semiconductor equipment and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS);
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 11 Electric cables, optical fibre cables and busbar trunking systems (busways) – Electrical cables;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 17 Fire safety systems;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 21 Testing and trials – Testing at manufacturer’s works and sea trials.

7.4 Required submissions

7.4.1 Details of control systems shall include:
• interfaces with ship's control, alarms and safety systems;
• description of operation with explanatory diagrams;
• line diagrams of control circuits; and
• list of alerts, alarms and actions required by the Operators.
7.4.2 Single line diagram of the power system shall include:

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• interfaces with ship's electrical systems;

• ratings of machines, transformers, batteries and semiconductor converters;
• all feeders connected to the switchboards;
• section-boards and distribution boards;
• insulation type, size and current loadings of cables;
• make, type and rating of circuit-breakers and fuses; and
• cable details including type and certification.

7.5 Deliverables
7.5.1 If considered necessary, a DAD is to be issued at the end of the design appraisal process.

n Section 8
Integration: survey and certification
8.1 General
8.1.1 All ALS interfaces to the ship systems shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the attending LR Surveyor.
8.1.2 The integration survey will include hull, machinery and electrical inspections that shall be completed in accordance with
new construction standards. The inspection control points shall be agreed with LR.

8.2 Survey, inspection, testing and trials

8.2.1 The plan(s) for Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), survey, installation and verification should be produced and agreed
with the attending LR Surveyor in advance. These plans should consider the system fabrication and installation stages as access
may become limited in the latter phases of the construction.
8.2.2 An installation plan should include approved/reviewed drawings, DADs, material certificates, equipment certificates (if
necessary), cabling certificates, cable penetration certificates, valve certificates, certified welder certificates, approved welding
procedures, approved consumable certificates, NDE plan and, if applicable, a trial plan.
8.2.3 When necessary, procedures for demonstrating the structural integrity of an ADU, piping, tanks and watertight
boundaries should be presented, reviewed and then witnessed by the attending LR Surveyor. This should be in accordance with
the (Lloyd's Register) Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice No. 1, 2, 3 & 4. These
should follow new construction standards.
8.2.4 If considered necessary by the attending LR Surveyor, a speed trial should confirm that all hull integrated systems are
not adversely affected by the bubbles and their distribution, such as sea chests and water lubricated bearings.

8.3 Applicable hull and mechanical integration requirements

8.3.1 The following are applicable from Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice
No. 1, 2, 3 & 4:
• Pt 3, Ch 10 Welding and Structural Details;
• Pt 3, Ch 1, 9 Procedures for testing tanks and tight boundaries.
8.3.2 The following are applicable from Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2019,
incorporating Notice No. 1 & 2:
• Ch 6 Steel Pipes and Tubes;
• Ch 12, 1 General qualification requirements;
• Ch 13, 1 General welding requirements;
• Ch 15 Corrosion Prevention.
8.3.3 IACS Procedural Requirement No.47 - Shipbuilding and Repair Quality Standard shall be considered.

8.4 Applicable electrical integration requirements

8.4.1 The following are applicable from Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice
No. 1, 2, 3 & 4:

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• For short circuit faults, see Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.2 Documentation required for design review 1.2.6;
• For load balance, see Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.3 Documentation required for supporting evidence 1.3.5;
• For switchboard modifications, see Pt 6, Ch 2, 7 Switchgear and controlgear assemblies;
• For routing of electric cables, see Pt 6, Ch 2, 11 Electric cables, optical fibre cables and busbar trunking systems (busways);
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 14 Electrical equipment for use in explosive gas atmospheres or in the presence of combustible dusts;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 21 Testing and trials.
See also
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.5 Additions or alterations;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 14 Electrical equipment for use in explosive gas atmospheres or in the presence of combustible dusts;
• Pt 6, Ch 2, 21 Testing and trials.

8.5 Deliverables
8.5.1 The following information shall be delivered, if necessary:
• Revised Certificate of Class with Voluntary Excess (if requested).

n Section 9
In-service survey
9.1 General
9.1.1 As part of the Periodic Surveys (Class, Safcon and Loadline), LR Surveyors will examine the hull, hull appendages, sea
chests and sea connections. As part of these surveys, the breakdown of coatings, shell erosion, sea chest condition and integrity
of sea connections and their associated valves would be confirmed. LR Surveyors would not be surveying the equipment
associated with the system itself since it is not a classed system, e.g. they would not survey the air compressors and inboard
piping. Any electrical panels would be generally examined as part of the five yearly survey of electrical equipment.

9.2 Applicable integration requirements

9.2.1 The following are applicable from Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2019, incorporating Notice
No. 1, 2, 3 & 4:
• Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys;
• Pt 1, Ch 3, 4 Bottom Surveys – In Dry-Dock and In-Water - Hull and machinery requirements.

n Section 10
Supporting activities
10.1 General
10.1.1 LR’s Marine Consultancy is available to provide shipowners and Operators end-to-end support with their projects, from
the initial planning phase, through the build phase and up to the long-term verification of system performance. The following
outlines the support services available through LR, all of which can be tailored to specific project needs.

10.2 Marine consultancy services

10.2.1 Feasibility workshop - The effectiveness and efficiency of any ALS will heavily depend on the operational profile and
conditions of the vessel. To fully understand and categorise vessel operations, LR can host a feasibility workshop with fleet
managers and Operators, in order to identify vessels for which ALS would be beneficial in their actual use. In addition to
operational aspects, the workshop can discuss initial structural and hydrodynamic considerations, thereby assessing the feasibility
of ALS implementation on specific vessels.
10.2.2 HAZID and roadmap - Once suitable candidate vessels are selected, a HAZID study can be conducted to identify all
the required steps in the installation process and how each of these steps will impact the current ship operations. Based on the

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results of this study, an implementation roadmap can be produced with draft timelines and required lead times, giving Owners and
Operators clear guidelines on when decisions need to be made for a project to continue smoothly.
10.2.3 Scoping and tendering - LR Marine Consulting can provide valuable assistance with the preparation and scoping of
tendering documents, giving clients the confidence that tenders will meet their requirements. In addition, assistance can be
provided with the selection of suitable manufacturers, based on their track records, technical expertise and where appropriate by
interviews with the technical staff from the manufacturers.
10.2.4 Impact study of proposed system - Due to heavy weather conditions and unforeseen system outages, the ALS
might not be able to operate all the time. As the air cavities themselves create an additional drag on the hull, a non-operational
system will result in an increase in fuel consumption. LR’s validated full-scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology can
accurately assess this additional drag, thereby providing clients insight into the financial risk taken with regards to fuel
consumption.
10.2.5 Location of air release units - Using the LR’s validated full-scale CFD methodology, the variation in streamlines along
the hull under different draught and trim conditions can be assessed in detail, allowing the ALS manufacturer to select the ideal
locations for the air release units in the double bottom. The proposed locations can then be compared by LR consultants against
the structural arrangement in the double bottom, allowing for a perfect compromise between hydrodynamic and structural
performance.
10.2.6 Structural modelling - The air release units will inevitably interrupt the longitudinal stiffness continuity in the double
bottom structure, requiring support brackets to be engineered in detail. For this, LR’s structural consultants can perform a full
Structural Design Assessment on the interaction of the air release units with the double bottom stiffeners. During their assessment,
the consultants can liaise upon the Owner’s instructions with Class and address any concerns.
10.2.7 Noise and vibration - The majority of the ALS will rely on compressors to force air underneath the double bottom of
the hull. Especially for passenger vessels, the emitted noise and vibrations can impede on passenger comfort. It is therefore
recommended to have a noise specialist pre-assess the proposed installation, thereby reducing the risk of noise and vibration
issues arising. If special comfort requirements need to be met, LR’s dedicated noise specialist can carry out verification on board
the vessel upon delivery.
10.2.8 Class submission support - LR Marine Consultancy can support the Owners with the submission of the relevant
documents to any Class Society and assist in understanding and answering any questions that may arise. Having a thorough
understanding of the Rules for Ships, as well as in-depth subject matter expertise, their support will assure a smooth Class
approval process.
10.2.9 Factory acceptance testing - To ensure all components of the ALS are produced within acceptable tolerances and
are fit for purpose, LR consultants can witness the factory acceptance test on behalf of the Owner. Naturally, the integration of the
air release units with the double bottom structure will be witnessed by the relevant Class Surveyors, as part of the normal Class
approval process.
10.2.10 Sea trials performance verification - Upon installation of the system, it is highly recommended performing dedicated
sea trials to verify the system’s performance. LR’s years of experience with performing and witnessing sea trials will ensure that
these trials are conducted to the highest standard, providing Owners with the certainty that the system performs as designed.
10.2.11 Long-term performance monitoring - To fully understand the long-term impact of the ALS on the vessel’s fuel
consumption, long-term performance monitoring can be conducted on board. LR’s digital solutions allow Shipowners to collect
vessel performance data 24/7, wherever their vessels sail in the world. The system can be installed even before the ALS is fitted to
the hull, allowing for a relative comparison before and after retrofitting.
10.2.12 Underwater Radiated Noise Class Notation (UWM-M and UWM-L) - As part of LR’s mission to protect the
environment, the Owner can use LR’s capability with underwater noise measurement to verify whether the vessel has a reduced
underwater noise signature. The results of which could be used by the Operator to show that, when using the system in sensitive
areas, they have a reduced effect on the aquatic environment.

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n Section 11
Notes on statutory compliance
11.1 General
11.1.1 Statutory Conventions and Codes are to be observed during the design, construction, integration and operation of the
ALS. While LR is not aware of any specific statutory regulations relating to ALS systems, consideration needs to be given to any
potential adverse impact on the safe operation of the ship, where the installed ALS may adversely affect statutory procedures,
equipment or operations. For example, the presence of air against the hull could impair the operation of the Echo Sounder,
required by the SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea convention.
11.1.2 It should be noted that the acceptance of statutory matters is the responsibility of the Flag State Administration and all
statutory consultation and guidance is to be gained directly from them, unless they have nominated LR to act as the Recognised
Organisation (RO). Consequently, all information relating to statutory compliance in Ch 1, 11 Notes on statutory compliance to Ch
1, 14 Statutory in service: survey is for reference only and should not be considered definitive or exhaustive.

n Section 12
Statutory general: survey and approval
12.1 General
12.1.1 The below details have been provided as guidance only. The Flag State Administration or nominated RO should be
consulted for all applicable information and regulations.
12.1.2 An ALS designer should consider SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line and Anti-Fouling Conventions and their implications
without necessarily having the plans appraised.

12.2 Design considerations

12.2.1 Coatings – normal procedures should be followed. If the IWS notation is assigned, details of the high resistant paint
should be available, and if Performance Standards for Protective Coatings (PSPC) apply, the coating should be reinstated as per
the assigned designation.
12.2.2 Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) – ALS is an acceptable means to reduce the ‘Attained EEDI’. There are two
distinct stages: Preliminary Verification and Final Verification.
For preliminary verification at the design stage, in addition to paragraph 4.2.2 of 2014 EEDI Survey Guidelines, the EEDI Technical
File should include the details as stated by paragraph 3.2.1 of Appendix 1 of MEPC.1/Circular.815 – 2013 Guidance on Treatment
of Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies for Calculation and Verification of the Attained EEDI – (17 June 2013) and to provide
additional information as required by paragraph 3.2.2 of Appendix 1 of MEPC.1/Circular.815 – 2013 Guidance on Treatment of
Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies for Calculation and Verification of the Attained EEDI – (17 June 2013).
The final verification documents and requirements are outlined in paragraph 3.3 of Appendix 1 of MEPC.1/Circular.815 – 2013
Guidance on Treatment of Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies for Calculation and Verification of the Attained EEDI – (17
June 2013).
12.2.3 Escape and evacuation – consideration should be given to the arrangement of spaces containing the ALS. Where
primary or secondary escape routes are required, care should be taken to ensure that escape routes and routes to equipment
such as fire extinguishers are sufficiently clear.
12.2.4 Fire protection – the ALS integration should consider the affected space's categorisation and ensure that the SOLAS
requirements for passive, active and structural fire protection are respected. The ALS should shut down with the appropriate
dampers during system activation when installed in a space protected with fire suppression.
12.2.5 Hazardous areas – in vessels with assigned hazardous areas, such as on Gas Carriers, Tankers, gas fuelled ships,
etc., the source of air should be specially considered with reference to IEC 60079 Explosive atmospheres and IEC 60092-502
Electrical installations in Ships (Tankers). The ALS shall only draw from designated non-hazardous areas.
12.2.6 Loadline – all air inlets and vents should be designed in accordance with the Loadline Convention.

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12.2.7 Navigational equipment – it should be confirmed that the air lubrication will not, or have the potential to, adversely
affect equipment installed for statutory compliance such as the echo sounder. It is recommended that the ALS status signal is
connected to the Voyage Data Recorder.
12.2.8 Oil pollution - the air delivery system should be designed so no pollution is possible. For vessels operating in the US,
the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants should be considered as per the Environmental Protection Agency requirements,
unless air units are certified as an oil-free type.
12.2.9 Stability (damage) – compliance with the applicable Regulations should be maintained. The location of the ALS valves
should account for the damage stability scenarios. The Flag State Administration or RO is to be advised of any alterations
considered to affect compliance. It is generally considered that if a tank capacity is affected more than 1 per cent, the Tank
Capacity Plan, Tank Tables, loading computer and associated documentation should all be amended to reflect the status on
board. To reduce this impact, it is suggested that the ADUs be located in tanks with high capacities, where possible.
12.2.10 Stability (intact) – the stability manual should reflect implications for the loss of displacement, and as such the loss of
buoyancy. The following should be used as guidance only:
• Where SOLAS Chapter II-1 Regulation 5 - Intact stability applies, which requires a lightweight check every five years for
passenger ships, it should be determined if a deviation from the lightship displacement exceeds 2 per cent or a deviation of
the longitudinal centre of gravity more than 1 per cent of the length of the ship is found or anticipated. If so, then a new
lightweight check should be conducted by a re-inclining test.
12.2.11 Tonnage – the vessel’s associated Flag State Administration should be consulted to appreciate the implications to the
ITC (1969) Tonnage Certificate, Suez Canal Certificate and Panama Canal Certificate. The following information should be provided
to the necessary authority:
• enclosed structures on deck separating cross-sectional areas greater than 1 m2 and a total enclosed volume greater than 1
m3; and
• sea inlet boxes open to the sea having a volume greater than 1 m3.

12.3 Applicable regulations

12.3.1 The following are applicable from Marine Environmental Protection Committee Resolutions:
• MEPC.1/Circ.282(70) – 2016 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP);
• MEPC.1/Circular.815 – 2013 Guidance on Treatment of Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies for Calculation and
Verification of the Attained EEDI – (17 June 2013) – 2013 Guidance on treatment of innovative energy efficiency technologies
for calculation and verification of the attained EED/
• MEPC.1/Circular.855/Rev.1 - 2014 Guidelines on Survey and Certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), as
amended (Resolution MEPC.254(67), as amended by Resolution MEPC.261(68)) – (8 October 2015) – 2014 Guidelines on
Survey and Certification of The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), as amended;
• MEPC.1/Circular.815 – 2013 Guidance on Treatment of Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies for Calculation and
Verification of the Attained EEDI – (17 June 2013) – 2013 Guidance on Treatment of Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies
for Calculation and Verification of the Attained EEDI – (17 June 2013) - Annex 1 Guidance on Calculation and Verification of
Effects of Category (B) Innovative Technologies - Appendix 1 – Air Lubrication System (Category (B-1)).
12.3.2 The following are applicable from MARPOL - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships:
• Annex I, Chapter 1, Part C, Regulation 15 15.1;
• Annex VI, Chapter 4, Regulation 20 - Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (Attained EEDI);
• Annex VI, Chapter 4, Regulation 21 - Required EEDI.
12.3.3 The following are applicable from International Convention on Load Lines:
• Annex I, Chapter I, Regulation 1 - Strength and intact stability of ships;
• Annex I, Chapter I, Regulation 2 - Application;
• Annex I, Chapter I, Regulation 10 - Information to be supplied to the master;
• Annex I, Chapter II, Regulation 20 - Air pipes;
• Annex I, Chapter II, Regulation 22 - Scuppers, inlets and discharges.
• Scuppers, inlets and discharges (Regulation 22(1)) (IACS interpretation LL.11)
12.3.4 The following are applicable from SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea:

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Guidance Notes for Air Lubrication System
Air Lubrication System Guidance Notes Chapter 1
Section 13

• Chapter II-1, Part A-1, Regulation 3-2 - Protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and
double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers;
• Chapter II-1, Part B-1, Regulation 5 - Intact stability;
• Chapter II-1, Part B-2, Regulation 13 - Openings in watertight bulkheads below the bulkhead deck in passenger ships;
• Chapter II-1, Part B-2, Regulation 13–1 - Openings in watertight bulkheads and internal decks in cargo ships;
• Chapter II-1, Part C, Regulation 26 - General;
• Chapter II-1, Part C, Regulation 34 - Air pressure systems;
• Chapter II-1, Part C, Regulation 45 - Precautions against shock, fire and other hazards of electrical origin (Paragraphs 10 and
11 of this regulation apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2007);
• Chapter II-1, Part E - Additional requirements for periodically unattended machinery spaces.
12.3.5 The following is applicable from AFS - International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on
Ships, 2001:
• Article 4 - Controls on Anti-Fouling Systems.
12.3.6 The following is applicable from Tonnage - International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969:
• Annex I, Regulation 5 - Change of Net Tonnage.

12.4 Potential submissions

12.4.1 The following information is to be submitted, if necessary:
• Alterations to the tank capacities and deadweight shall be verified against the requirements to ensure that the loading
conditions, stability and damage stability remain valid;
• Revised trim, stability and longitudinal strength calculations, if considered necessary;
• Revised final loading manual after installation of the full system, if considered necessary; and
• EEDI documentation as described in Ch 1, 12.2 Design considerations 12.2.2.

n Section 13
Statutory integration: survey and approval
13.1 General
13.1.1 The below details have been provided as guidance only. The Flag State Administration or nominated RO should be
consulted for all applicable information and regulations.
13.1.2 All modifications to the hull, equipment and machinery should be carried out to the satisfaction of the Flag State
Administration or nominated RO.

13.2 Survey, inspection, testing and trials

13.2.1 The installation plan should include approved/reviewed drawings, equipment certificates (if necessary), cable penetration
certificates and any other certification requested by the Flag State Administration.
13.2.2 When necessary, procedures for demonstrating adequate structural integrity to modified tanks and watertight
boundaries should be presented and the testing witnessed.
13.2.3 A speed trial for the EEDI should be attended by the Flag State Administration. The trial will need to be conducted in
accordance with the agreed speed trial plan. It should be noted that any discrepancies such as missing or erroneous data, or
misconduct, such as course drift or course rotation may invalidate the results of the speed trial.

13.3 Applicable references

13.3.1 The following statutory convention references are applicable:
• SOLAS, Chapter II-1 Part B, Regulation 13 - Openings in watertight bulkheads below the bulkhead deck in passenger ships;
• SOLAS, Chapter II-1 Part B, Regulation 13–1 - Openings in watertight bulkheads and internal decks in cargo ships;
• SOLAS, Chapter II-2 Part C, 3 Penetrations in fire-resisting divisions and prevention of heat transmission;
• MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI Chapter 4 - Regulations on Energy Efficiency for Ships.

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Guidance Notes for Air Lubrication System
Air Lubrication System Guidance Notes Chapter 1
Section 14

13.3.2 IMO Guidelines for calculation of, and survey and certification of, the EEDI:
• MEPC.1/Circular.866 – 2014 Guidelines on the Method of Calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
for New Ships, as Amended...; and
• MEPC.1/Circular.855/Rev.1 - 2014 Guidelines on Survey and Certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), as
amended (Resolution MEPC.254(67), as amended by Resolution MEPC.261(68)) – (8 October 2015) as amended.
13.3.3 Applicable IACS Procedural Requirement to be noted:
• No.38 - Procedure for calculation and verification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).

13.4 Potential deliverables

13.4.1 The following information is to be delivered, if necessary:
• Revised International Energy Efficiency Certificate; and
• (if applicable) Revised Load line Certificate and Load line Condition of Assignment.

n Section 14
Statutory in service: survey
14.1 General
14.1.1 The below details have been provided as guidance only. The Flag State Administration or nominated RO should be
consulted for all applicable information and regulations
14.1.2 An in-service ALS may become a statutory ‘surveyable item’. The hull appendages, equipment and machinery should
be surveyed and if necessary tested during the associated statutory survey.

14.2 Applicable integration requirements

14.2.1 The following are applicable from the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS):
• Chapter I, Part A, Regulation 7 - Surveys of passenger ships1;
• Chapter I, Part A, Regulation 10 - Surveys of hull, machinery and equipment of cargo ships.
14.2.2 The following are applicable from Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea:
• Chapter I, Part A, Regulation 7 - Surveys of passenger ships1.

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