The second-generation intelligent bubble lubrication system (BLS), independently developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) under China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has recently been successfully applied to a 50,000-ton product/chemical tanker and passed rigorous sea trials in a single attempt. Data indicates that after installing the second-generation BLS, the vessel's net energy-saving performance improved by approximately 5%, with its energy efficiency index significantly outperforming that of similar ships. This marks a new breakthrough in green environmental protection equipment for China's shipbuilding industry, offering a new path and setting a new benchmark for energy conservation and emission reduction in the shipping sector.

Bubble lubrication drag reduction is a novel energy-saving technology for ships and is recognized and promoted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a green ship technology. By continuously releasing compressed air under the hull, it forms a stable layer of microbubbles between the ship's surface and seawater, transforming the seawater boundary layer around the hull into an air-liquid mixed flow. Leveraging the differences in physical properties between air and water, it effectively reduces frictional resistance during navigation, thereby lowering main engine load and fuel consumption. In particular, the system can also effectively inhibit marine biofouling and reduce the impact of hull fouling. Combined with its flexible installation, strong adaptability, and short investment payback period, it has gained favor among many shipping companies. It has become an important tool for the shipping industry to comply with environmental regulations and achieve carbon reduction goals, and is widely applied to various ship types, including container ships, gas carriers, tankers, and cruise ships.

It is reported that the first-generation BLS independently developed by SDARI was successfully applied to an 1800 TEU feeder container ship in April 2022. Compared to the first generation, the second generation not only continues to optimize the air supply system to further reduce energy consumption and improve net energy-saving efficiency but has also been innovatively upgraded to intelligent control. It can intelligently adjust compressed air based on actual conditions such as speed and draft, and through the digital operational support system (DOSS®), it monitors and analyzes real-time ship operations and energy-saving performance, creating a fundamentally energy-saving new system and equipment.