In today’s maritime industry, solutions that lower operational costs and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are more important than ever. Wärtsilä is an authorised seller and servicing partner of the Silverstream® System – an innovative and proven air lubrication system that reduces frictional resistance by creating a carpet of microbubbles on the full flat bottom of a vessel’s hull. The system can reduce fuel consumption and associated GHG emissions by up to 10%.
The Silverstream® System is a unique air lubrication technology that reduces the frictional resistance of the vessel by creating a carpet of microbubbles that coats the majority of the flat bottom of a vessel’s hull. The microbubbles, measuring 1–3mm in diameter, are generated by air release units (ARUs) in the bottom of the hull.
The system works in all sea conditions, is not weather dependent and does not constrain or negatively impact the normal operational profile of the vessel. The fuel savings and emissions reduction potential of the system have been proven by independent third parties including Shell, HSVA, Lloyd’s Register and the University of Southampton.
The Silverstream® System is suitable for a wide range of vessel types – both retrofits and newbuilds – including LNG carriers, RoPax/RoRo vessels, bulkers, container vessels, tankers and cruise vessels.
