Clean technology company Silverstream Technologies has signed an agreement with CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard Group to supply its Silverstream System air lubrication technology on the newbuild LNG carrier programme being constructed for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
The system is expected to deliver a 5-10% net fuel burn and CO2 emissions reduction for an initial six new 175,000m3 LNGCs in the programme. The vessels are the first LNGCs set to be built at Jiangnan Shipyard and will be among the first Chinese-built LNGCs fitted with air lubrication technology. The first six ships in the series are expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
Silverstream’s technology improves efficiency by generating a uniform carpet of microbubbles across the full flat bottom of a vessel. The air carpet reduces the friction between the hull and the water, and is said to be effective in all sea states.
While the technology is suited to almost all segments in shipping, LNGCs are particularly strong candidates because of their hull form and large flat bottom. Installing the Silverstream System on ADNOC’s new LNGCs will improve their overall environmental performance and enable greater operational flexibility for the vessels.
Noah Silberschmidt, Founder and CEO, Silverstream Technologies, said: “We’re pleased to be able to announce this deal with CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard for ADNOC, which further cements our strong position within the LNG segment. Partnering with ADNOC to install our Silverstream System on these vessels will help to create a new benchmark for LNGC efficiency, and reinforces the maturity of our technology as a verified fuel and emissions reduction solution. We look forward to further collaboration with the CSSC Group of shipyards via our Shanghai office, to allow more owners access to the technology and ensure a smooth integration and commissioning process.”
