Clean technology company Silverstream Technologies has won an order from Meyer Werft to install its air lubrication technology on a new Carnival Corp ’Excel’-class cruise ship.
The patented Silverstream system uses a series of air release units (ARUs) in the flat bottom of a vessel to generate a rigid carpet of microbubbles that travel the full length of the hull. The technology will be installed during Hull No S717’s construction, with Meyer Werft manufacturing the ARUs to Silverstream’s specifications.
Once installed, the system will generate net fuel and emissions savings of more than 5%, the company claimed. The 344 m long vessel will be operated by Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) when delivered in 2023.
Similar to other vessels in its class, the newbuilding will be fuelled by LNG.
This follows the order and ongoing installation of a system on P&O Cruises’ ‘Arvia’, also an ‘Excel’-class vessel, which is currently under construction at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg shipyard.
Silverstream’s relationship with Carnival Corp began in 2017 with the installation of its technology on Princess Cruises’ ‘Diamond Princess’.
An independent verification of the performance of the Silverstream system on this vessel – over 5% net fuel and emissions savings – was verified by class society Lloyd’s Register, which laid the groundwork for more installations.
Noah Silberschmidt, Silverstream Technologies’ CEO (pictured), said: “We are proud to further cement our strong relationship with Carnival with a second order of the Silverstream System on its ‘Excel’-class vessels. A repeat order for our technology from the cruise sector’s leading brand reflects its viability to cut emissions and reduce fuel costs.
“These powerful savings, combined with our system’s high reliability, availability and low maintenance, means that we have become a critical part of Carnival’s sustainability roadmap. We are continuing to work with Carnival to jointly identify further opportunities to install our technology across its current and planned fleet.
“We are also pleased to once again work with our friends and partners at Meyer Werft shipyard. Maintaining a close partnership with leading shipyards is a vital part of our efforts to scale installations of our technology as a standard on all newbuild vessels.”
Ben Clement, CCL’s Senior Vice President, Newbuilds, Refurbishments & Product Innovation, added: “At Carnival, we are committed to building the cruise industry’s most efficient and sophisticated ships. The addition of the Silverstream system on Carnival Cruise Line’s third ‘Excel’-class ship will ensure that this vision continues to become a reality.
“Following the impressive fuel and emission savings on ‘Diamond Princess’, and subsequent orders of the system, we value our relationship with Silverstream and are excited to explore more opportunities to champion clean technologies in the future,” he said.
Stephan Schmees, Executive Board Member, Project Management Ships & Quality, Meyer Werft, commented: “As one of the largest builders of luxury passenger vessels, we are excited to once again work with Silverstream and Carnival Corporation to deliver an efficient and environmentally superior vessel design.
“Carnival took the decision to add ALS to S717 quite late in the build process, so the fact we have been able to accommodate this change at short notice reflects our strong, dynamic relationship and the flexibility of the Silverstream team. We strive for high quality, expert engineering, and proven clean technologies, such as the Silverstream system, help us achieve this,” he said.
