13 Mari Announced as Winner of Edison Patent Award in Environmental Innovation Category

KEARNY, NJ, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- 13 Mari, a maritime technology company focused on improving vessel efficiency through applied physics and engineering, has announced that its patent, "Method, System, and Apparatus for Reducing Fluid Drag" (U.S. Patent No. 11,946,497 B2), has been selected to receive the 2026 Edison Patent Award in the Environmental category. Presented by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the award recognizes patented innovations that address meaningful challenges through scientific research and technological development. The recognition highlights 13 Mari's ongoing work in developing practical solutions that support more efficient vessel operation while contributing to long-term environmental objectives.

The Edison Patent Awards celebrate inventions that demonstrate originality, practical value, and broader societal impact. Patents are evaluated on several factors, including the significance of the problem addressed, the novelty of the invention, its utility, and its potential commercial impact. Receiving recognition through this program places 13 Mari's patented technology among a group of innovations selected for their contribution to applied research and engineering.

The recognized patent introduces a method for reducing fluid drag by influencing the flow of water around a vessel through specially designed passive elements. Installed on a ship's hull, these components manage boundary layer behavior, helping reduce energy losses associated with turbulence while improving the efficiency of water flow. Because the system functions without additional power requirements or major structural modifications, it is designed as a practical solution that can be incorporated into existing vessels while limiting operational disruption. The same intellectual property also presents additional applications beyond maritime transportation, reflecting the broader engineering principles behind the invention.

This recognition arrives during an important stage of the company's intellectual property strategy. The awarded patent also serves as the foundation for a continuation-in-part filing currently progressing through international patent procedures across multiple jurisdictions. As 13 Mari continues expanding its intellectual property portfolio, the company views the patented technology as a central component supporting future research, commercialization, and collaboration opportunities.

Krassi Fotev, founder of 13 Mari, says, "Every stage of this work has been guided by the belief that careful observation of physical processes can lead to practical engineering improvements. Receiving recognition for this patent encourages us to continue refining ideas that can provide lasting value for vessel operators while contributing to more efficient transportation."

The company's research has consistently focused on improving vessel performance through relatively simple physical principles. Instead of relying on extensive modifications to ships, 13 Mari has concentrated on understanding how water interacts with a hull and identifying opportunities to improve that interaction through carefully engineered passive components. This direction reflects the company's broader mission of developing technologies that combine operational practicality with measurable efficiency improvements.

13 Mari's technology is based on the principle that improving vessel efficiency can create value for both environmental goals and fleet operations. By reducing the resistance experienced as a ship moves through water, its solution is designed to help vessels use energy more efficiently. The company's passive elements are developed to work alongside existing vessel designs and propulsion systems, allowing operators to explore efficiency improvements without requiring fundamental changes to their fleets.

"The most sustainable solutions are those that create practical value for the people using them. When a technology helps vessels operate more efficiently and provides economic benefits, it creates a stronger pathway for adoption across the maritime sector," Fotev explains.

As part of its future plans, 13 Mari aims to further develop computational methods that can support vessel optimization and expand the application of its technology. The company continues exploring opportunities to collaborate with organizations that share an interest in advancing maritime efficiency through engineering innovation.

"The future of transportation depends on finding solutions that connect scientific understanding with real-world applications," Fotev remarks. "Our goal is to continue learning from the physics of fluid movement and develop technologies that help vessels operate more efficiently while creating meaningful benefits for owners and operators."

About 13 Mari

13 Mari is a maritime technology company developing innovative passive hull technology designed to improve vessel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower carbon emissions across the global shipping industry. Its proprietary technology uses specially engineered composite elements attached to a vessel's hull to reduce hydrodynamic drag, improving fuel efficiency without requiring external power, moving parts, or structural modifications. Designed for both existing vessels and newbuilds, the solution offers shipowners and operators a practical way to reduce operating costs while supporting maritime decarbonisation efforts. The company reports potential fuel savings of 3–7%, with its technology validated through accredited tow-tank testing and progressing into commercial vessel deployments. For more information, visit 13mari.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release regarding anticipated fuel savings, commercial adoption, ongoing patent prosecution, and operational performance reflect current projections and testing results. Actual performance may vary depending on vessel specifications, operational conditions, and hull configuration. 13 Mari assumes no obligation to update these statements as developments unfold.

Media Contact

Krassi Fotev
media@13mari.com