Silverstream Technologies has expanded the reach of its fuel-saving air lubrication system to 164 vessels worldwide, surpassing the 160-installation mark, according to Ship & Bunker.
The milestone was reached following recent deliveries of the Grande Oriente for Grimaldi Group and the Arctic Tern for Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Ship & Bunker reports, citing an emailed update from Silverstream issued this week.
How the Technology Works
Silverstream’s system generates a layer of air bubbles beneath a vessel’s hull to reduce drag, according to Ship & Bunker. The company states this process lowers bunker fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Since its first commercial installation, the air lubrication system has been fitted across a broad spectrum of vessel types, Ship & Bunker notes, including cruise ships, container ships, LNG carriers, Ro-Ro and RoPax vessels, and pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).
Company Comments on Growth
Noah Silberschmidt, CEO and founder of Silverstream, said shipowners are increasingly seeking solutions that offer a hedge against rising fuel costs by cutting consumption and emissions immediately, according to Ship & Bunker.
“The growth of our installed fleet shows that air lubrication is a trusted and proven part of future-proofing strategies,” Silberschmidt told Ship & Bunker.
Does This Matter to You?
The expanding adoption of air lubrication technology reflects a broader trend of shipowners investing in fuel efficiency measures amid ongoing pressure from bunker costs and emissions regulations. Vessel operators evaluating retrofit or newbuild efficiency options may find the growing installed base, now spanning cruise ships, container vessels, LNG carriers, Ro-Ro/RoPax ships, and PCTCs, relevant when assessing proven technologies in the market.
Bunker buyers and traders tracking long-term demand trends may also note that widespread adoption of consumption-reducing technologies like this could factor into fleet-level fuel efficiency planning over time. The source material does not provide specific fuel savings percentages or cost figures, so the direct financial impact for any particular vessel type is not detailed in this report.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
