Silverstream Technologies signs agreement to retrofit LNG carriers in the Shell fleet with air lubrication systems
UK-based Silverstream Technologies has signed a framework agreement to retrofit an unspecified number of LNG carriers in the Shell fleet with air lubrication systems as a means of reducing fuel consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, the company said in its release.
The deal will see Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd and Silverstream develop a close working relationship to design, engineer, procure and execute the Silverstream System.
The new framework will enable Shell to expedite installing the air lubrication technology in its LNG carrier fleet. Initially covering the next three years, the framework will ultimately reduce contract lead times and the total cost of ownership for vessel operators.
The co-operation between Shell and Silverstream Technologies follows in the wake of the delivery of Maran Gas Andros, the first LNG carrier fitted with an air lubrication system. Built by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), Maran Gas Andros uses Daewoo’s air lubrication system (ALS). Maran Gas is expected to fit all of its LNG newbuilds with the DSME ALS.
The agreement between Shell and Silverstream Technologies indicates that ALS technology is gaining momentum and credibility as a fuel and emissions savings tool for LNG carriers.
Since 2014, Silverstream and Shell have collaborated on a number of vessel performance studies and sea trials to evaluate and verify the fuel savings potential of the Silverstream System.
Based on in-operation trials, Silverstream Technologies said its system reduces fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by between 5-10%, depending on the vessel’s operational profile.
The Silverstream System reduces fuel consumption and associated emissions by creating a carpet of microbubbles that coat the entire flat bottom of the vessel. This ‘microbubble carpet’ reduces frictional resistance between the ship’s hull and the water. The technology works in all maritime conditions, is not weather dependent, and does not constrain or negatively impact the normal operational profile of the vessel, said Silverstream Technologies.
Silvestream Technologies also recently signed a licence and co-operation agreement with Wärtsilä which intends to fully integrate Silverstream’s ALS within its propulsion solutions.
