Wärtsilä and Silverstream to Collaborate
Technology group Wärtsilä, and Silverstream Technologies announced the signing of a Licence and Co-operation Agreement for future sales and servicing of the Silverstream System.
As an authorized sales and service partner, Wärtsilä intends to fully integrate Silverstream’s air lubrication system within its propulsion solutions.
By offering the Silverstream System as an integral part of Wärtsilä’s propulsion solution for newbuild vessels, compliance with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) will be further improved. Under the agreement, the Silverstream System will also be available through Wärtsilä’s sales channels for retrofit installations on existing vessels where Wärtsilä is a primary solution provider. The integrated Silverstream System is expected to realize synergies in capital and operational savings across the propulsion chain by increasing fuel efficiency, and optimizing engine loading.
The collaboration agreement will enable current and future Silverstream customers to access Wärtsilä’s global service network for the maintenance of their Silverstream System installations. Wärtsilä’s network of service centers, workshops, and service professionals is the most extensive in the maritime industry, with 4500 field service professionals located in 70 countries around the world.
The agreement means that more ship owners will have easy access to Silverstream’s proven air lubrication technology. The system has been proven to reduce fuel burn and associated emissions by 5 to 10%, depending on vessel type.
Noah Silberschmidt, CEO, Silverstream Technologies, said: “With the global sulphur cap almost upon us and decarbonization targets on the horizon, the commercial case for proven clean technology has never been stronger. Now is the time for ship owners to take action to reduce their operational costs and their impact on the environment, and today’s agreement will help unlock the power of air lubrication technology for more vessels across our sector.”
The Silverstream System creates a carpet of microbubbles that coat the entire flat bottom of the vessel. This carpet reduces frictional resistance between the hull and the water, dramatically reducing fuel consumption and related emissions. The technology works in all maritime conditions, is not weather dependent, and does not constrain or negatively impact the normal operational profile of the vessel.
