The collaboration between Silverstream Technologies and MAN Energy Solutions is a significant step towards decarbonizing the global shipping industry. By exploring solutions to improve vessel efficiency through the adoption of Silverstream’s air lubrication technology, the collaboration aims to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Clean technology leader Silverstream Technologies and marine engine designer MAN Energy Solutions have joined forces to support the decarbonization of the global shipping industry. The collaboration agreement will focus on improving vessel efficiency through the use of Silverstream’s air lubrication technology, known as the Silverstream® System. This technology releases a uniform carpet of air that reduces frictional resistance between the hull and the water, leading to a 5-10% reduction in average net fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
With approximately half of the world’s commercial ships powered by MAN Energy Solutions, this collaboration will help accelerate the adoption of Silverstream’s technology across the global fleet. The air lubrication system is applicable to all shipping segments and is effective in all sea states, making it a versatile solution for vessel efficiency. It is particularly effective on large oceangoing vessels due to their size and shape.
Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Silverstream and highlighted the potential of their innovative technology in decarbonizing the marine segment. He believes that this collaboration will deliver valuable insights and concrete proposals to further their mutual goals of achieving net-zero emissions.
Noah Silberschmidt, Founder and CEO of Silverstream Technologies, emphasized the importance of rising to the challenges of decarbonization, new regulations, and complex fuel economics in the shipping industry. He sees the collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions as a step towards cleaner and greener vessels that are necessary to achieve the International Maritime Organization’s carbon reduction targets. Silberschmidt believes that the greenest fuel is the fuel that is not used, and their technology can contribute to achieving this goal.
The Silverstream® System has gained significant market interest, with 180 vessels contracted to have the technology installed across all major shipping segments. Currently, 50 ships already have the system in service. Major industry names such as MSC, Maersk, Grimaldi, Shell, Vale, Carnival, and ADNOC L&S are among Silverstream’s customers, many of whom are signing fleet-wide deals for the technology. The system’s proven lifecycle efficiency and long-lasting components make it an attractive solution for vessel design.
The collaboration between Silverstream Technologies and MAN Energy Solutions supports the commercialization and scaling of air lubrication technology, addressing the fundamental challenge of vessel design efficiency. By improving vessel efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, this collaboration contributes to the decarbonization of the global shipping industry.
