Silverstream Technologies, air lubrication provider for the shipping industry, has completed three joint development projects with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Ship Building (SWS) on two dual-fuel vessels.
Silverstream said that the projects spanned a 180,000 dwt dual-fuel bulk carrier design and a 300,000 dwt dual-fuel VLCC design.
The first gained approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register, and the latter achieved agreement in principle from both Lloyd’s Register and ABS.
The joint development projects will see Silverstream’s team of naval architects and marine engineers support the yard to integrate the Silverstream System from the very beginning of the design phase of the new vessels.
Positioned centrally within a suite of innovative technologies incorporated into each vessel design, the Silverstream System will deliver proven, validated improvements to energy efficiency, thereby reducing fuel costs and associated emissions.
The system is expected to generate efficiency savings of between 5-10 percent across the two vessels, depending on their particular characteristics.
Noah Silberschmidt , CEO of Silverstream, said: “ By signing these projects with SWS today, we are demonstrating that the appetite for proven clean technology with our industry has never been stronger.
“ In further strengthening our ties with shipyards like SWS, we remove more barriers to the widespread uptake of clean technologies like ours. We are extremely excited to see the results of these joint development projects and look forward to working with SWS, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and our other project partners. ”
Liu Jianfeng , chief technologist at SWS, added: “ We have focused on developing clean and smart ships that are technically reliable and commercially feasible. We are proud to design advanced ships that will benefit ship owners and lead eco-friendly shipping. ”
The Silverstream System creates a carpet of microbubbles that coats the entire flat bottom of the vessel, reducing frictional resistance between the hull and the water and thereby dramatically reducing fuel consumption and related emissions.