Silverstream’s air lubrication system picked for Carnival’s cruise ship

UK’s cleantech company Silverstream Technologies has been contracted to provide its air lubrication technology for a new Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class cruise ship.

As informed, the installation will be carried out in cooperation with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft. The vessel, which will be delivered in 2027, is a sister ship to the Carnival Jubilee, which already has the air lubrication technology Silverstream System installed.

The system creates a uniform carpet of microbubbles that coats the full flat bottom of a vessel, reducing friction between the hull and the water.

As a result, average net fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are decreased by 5-10%, helping shipowners save fuel, lower emissions, and reduce costs, according to Silverstream Technologies.

In 2022, Carnival signed a major fleet deal with Silverstream to install the Silverstream System across its cruise brands.

Air lubrication technology first saw service within the Carnival Corporation fleet in 2016 with the introduction of AIDAprima.

Moreover, back in 2017, Silverstream installed its technology on Princess Cruises’ vessel Diamond Princess. The independent verification of the performance of the system on this vessel, over 5% net fuel and emissions savings, as verified by class society Lloyd’s Register laid the groundwork for more installations. 

Carnival Corporation has committed to reducing carbon emission intensity by 20% from its 2019 baseline by 2030 and has set an aspiration to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050.

By 2050, the cruise giant will also strive to achieve 100 percent fleetwide shore power connection capability and net carbon-neutral ship operations.