Silverstream Technologies announces first commercial installation of its Air Lubrication System
Meyer Werft ship yard conducts first commercial installation of the Silverstream® System aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel with an option on a further two vessels as industry looks to further improve operational and environmental efficiencies
Silverstream Technologies, pioneers of air lubrication technology for the shipping industry, today announced the first commercial installation of its Silverstream® System on the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel Norwegian Bliss, scheduled for delivery in Spring 2017 from one of Europe’s leading yards, Meyer Werft in Germany. There is an option for two further Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to be fitted with the Silverstream® System, the company said in a press release.
“Despite the recent decline in fuel prices, new sulphur regulations in Emission Control Areas still mean significantly increased fuel bills for the cruise industry,” said Christer Karlsson, Senior Vice President, Newbuild, Norwegian Cruise Line.
“In conjunction with the importance of constantly improving sustainability, it is therefore critical that we look at viable opportunities that improve operational and environmental efficiencies, driving down fuel bills and reducing emissions. The Silverstream® System is an example of such a clean technology that can genuinely make a difference,” continued Karlsson.
The Silverstream® System produces a thin layer of micro bubbles that creates a single ‘air carpet’ along the hulls of the vessel. This reduces the frictional resistance between the water and hull and improves the vessel’s operational efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. The technology can be added to a new build design, or retrofitted to an existing ship within just 14 days.
Commenting on the announcement, Noah Silberschmidt, CEO, Silverstream® Technologies, said: “It is a landmark moment for the company to secure a significant order from a leading cruise operator, which will be installed and delivered by one of the world’s most respected ship yards for technology and innovation.
Not only does this highlight the Silverstream® System and air lubrication as an applied and sustainable clean technology, it also demonstrates the industry’s culture and desire to improve their operational and environmental efficiencies as a means of reducing emissions, fuel costs, and improving the sustainability of their operations.”
London headquartered Silverstream Technologies (Silverstream) is a leading maritime technology company. Silverstream pioneered the development of the Silverstream Air Lubrication System for new and existing vessels to reduce a vessel’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10% - providing significant cost savings for ship owners and reducing the shipping industry’s impact on global warming.
