GLO Green Series

The shipping industry is navigating one of its greatest transformations. With stricter IMO decarbonisation targets on the horizon and charterers demanding greener operations, time is critical for shipowners. Retrofits are one of the most effective ways to extend vessel lifespan, improve efficiency, and keep fleets competitive — yet misconceptions continue to slow adoption.

At GLO Marine, we deliver turnkey retrofit and conversion projects worldwide. Our dedicated on-site teams travel across the globe, ensuring efficient, high-quality upgrades no matter where your vessel operates.

Often misunderstood, retrofits are seen as inconvenient, costly, or even unnecessary. In reality, they are one of the most effective ways to:

Extend vessel lifespan
Improve fuel efficiency
Strengthen fleet competitiveness
Support global decarbonisation

Unfortunately, persistent myths discourage shipowners and operators from unlocking their full potential. Let’s clear up three of the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: “Retrofits are only about compliance”

Yes, compliance with IMO and regional regulations is an important driver. But focusing only on that misses the bigger picture. Retrofits deliver measurable operational and environmental benefits:

Hull & propeller optimisation → reduced fuel consumption
Energy management systems → optimised onboard power use
Digital monitoring → predictive maintenance & fewer unplanned outages
Structural modifications & energy-saving technologies → extended vessel life by up to 10–15 years

Bottom line: retrofits aren’t just about compliance; they’re a smart way to future-proof your fleet.

Myth 2: “Retrofits are disruptive and not worth the hassle”

The belief that retrofits mean long, costly dock times is outdated. With careful planning, engineering, and scheduling, disruption is minimized.

Modern approaches such as pre-fabrication, modular installations, and phased work allow vessels to return to service quickly—delivering upgrades that improve performance and support decarbonisation.

Myth 3: “Newbuilds are the only path to future-proofing”

Newbuilds may dominate headlines, but targeted retrofits can often deliver 10–15 more competitive years to existing vessels—at a fraction of the cost of a newbuild.

This makes retrofits both a practical investment today and a strategic step toward long-term competitiveness and sustainability

Why retrofits are a strategic investment

Delaying upgrades:

Makes compliance harder
Raises operational costs through higher fuel use
Slows your path toward decarbonisation

Every year counts. Retrofits are not just about staying compliant—they are about boosting vessel performance, cutting emissions, and safeguarding long-term asset value.

GLO Marine: Your global retrofit partner

Unlike many engineering firms limited to one region, GLO Marine operates worldwide. Our on-site teams provide hands-on project execution across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond — bringing Romanian engineering expertise to the international stage.

Global coverage: On-site delivery wherever your fleet operates
Proven expertise: 130+ retrofit projects completed internationally
Turnkey approach: From engineering design to commissioning and operational support
Sustainability focus: Helping shipowners actively contribute to IMO and EU decarbonisation goals

Ready to act?

Retrofits are not just about keeping up with regulations. They are about future-proofing fleets, cutting emissions, and staying profitable in a fast-changing maritime landscape.

Whether your vessels operate in Europe, Asia, the Americas, or the Black Sea, GLO Marine’s global on-site teams ensure that retrofit projects are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with measurable impact.

Contact GLO Marine today and let us help you unlock the true potential of retrofits — wherever your fleet sails.

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Shipping companies worldwide are racing against time to meet decarbonization targets and comply with the IMO’s CII framework. One of the most promising retrofit technologies leading this transformation is the Air Lubrication System (ALS). Already installed on a wide range of vessels, from cruise ships and LNG carriers to container vessels and ro-ro ships, ALS technology consistently demonstrates fuel savings of 5–10%, reduced CO₂ emissions, and lower maintenance costs thanks to decreased hull friction and biofouling.

Why Air Lubrication Systems are gaining global momentum

The shipping industry faces increasing pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce operational costs while maintaining competitiveness. ALS technology directly addresses these needs by enhancing energy efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance across different vessel types and trading routes.

Key benefits of ALS for shipowners and operators

Fuel efficiency: By reducing friction between the hull and seawater, vessels maintain service speed with less engine power. Depending on the vessel type and operating profile, operators typically achieve fuel savings of 5–10%, which translates into substantial OPEX reductions across the fleet.
Environmental compliance: Lower fuel consumption directly reduces CO₂ emissions. Many ALS installations report 1–3%+ carbon reductions, contributing to IMO 2030 and CII compliance while strengthening sustainability credentials in a market increasingly driven by ESG factors.
Hull protection & longevity: Air bubbles form a protective layer between the hull and seawater, significantly reducing corrosion and biofouling. This lowers the frequency of dry-dock maintenance, extends hull coating lifespans, and improves vessel availability.
Strong economic return: While ALS requires upfront CAPEX, the combination of long-term fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and avoidance of non-compliance penalties delivers a compelling ROI for shipowners and fleet managers.

Selecting the right ALS technology

Not all ALS solutions are equal. Providers differ in design approach, energy demand, sensitivity to sea states, and resilience to minor groundings. Choosing the right system depends heavily on vessel type, operating speed, and draft.

At GLO Marine, we provide end-to-end solutions, including engineering guidance to help owners evaluate options and select the most suitable ALS technology for their fleet profile and operational requirements.

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Engineering challenges in ALS retrofit projects

Successful ALS implementation goes beyond choosing a vendor. It requires careful vessel modifications across multiple disciplines:

Hull modifications – installation of nozzles, penetrations, and localized reinforcements.
Machinery spaces – compressor foundations, ventilation upgrades, and layout adjustments.
Piping systems – addition of air distribution lines and integration of cooling water connections.
Electrical & automation – power load balancing, switchboard updates, and integration of ALS controls.
Regulatory compliance – revised General Arrangement (GA), updated EEXI/CII documentation, and safety assessments.

These adjustments require a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to safeguard vessel integrity and guarantee maximum efficiency.

How GLO Marine Supports ALS Installations

With global experience in ship retrofits and decarbonization technologies, GLO Marine brings together its hull, piping, electrical, automation, and commissioning teams to deliver seamless ALS retrofit projects. From feasibility studies and engineering design to installation support and commissioning, we ensure every ALS installation achieves its promised performance and contributes to sustainable shipping.

Future-proofing your fleet with ALS

As regulators tighten emissions requirements and fuel costs remain volatile, ALS offers a proven, scalable pathway for shipowners looking to boost competitiveness while aligning with decarbonization goals.

At GLO Marine, we don’t just deliver engineering—we deliver confidence in performance, compliance, and ROI.

Ready to explore ALS retrofits for your fleet? Discover how the decarbonisation plan developed by GLO Marine, can help you navigate regulatory challenges, reduce emissions, and turn compliance into a competitive edge. Explore the full details here and start charting your roadmap to a greener future today.

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Category: GLO Green Series

Myths & misconceptions about ship retrofits: Global solutions for a decarbonised future