LOMARLABS, the corporate venture lab of UK-based bulker and chemical tanker owner Lomar, has launched a co-operation with BlueNose as the latest in its growing portfolio of maritime technology collaborations.

BlueNose has focused on optimising ship aerodynamics through AI-assisted design and the use of advanced materials.

By integrating fluid dynamics and cutting-edge shape generation, the firm has claimed solutions can cut fuel consumption by up to 5%.

The technology works through the placement at the front of vessels of algorithmically guided structures that are optimised to minimise air resistance, leading to fuel savings, lower emissions and reduced costs.

Lomarlabs managing director Stylianos Papageorgiou said that the project “exemplifies the forward-thinking innovation we champion at Lomarlabs”.

BlueNose’s modular system had been extensively tested in simulations and was now “gearing up for real seagoing deployment”, he said.

The structures are designed for retrofitting across a wide range of commercial vessels and Lomarlabs hopes to “quickly deploy” them on vessels.

BlueNose personnel as early as last year were able to tour shipyards and engage with suppliers through joining Lomar’s newbuilding projects team in China.

“This is just one example of how Lomar and Lomarlabs support early-stage start-ups by offering them direct access and impactful exposure to the industry,” said Lomar chief executive Nicholas Georgiou.

BlueNose was founded by Léon Grillet and Joë Sangar while studying at the Royal College of Art.

The company was recognised as one of the 2024 Terra Carta Design Lab Winners, a scheme championed by King Charles III to promote sustainable solutions.

The company has continued refining and commercialising the technology with support from the InnovationRCA incubator.