With more than two decades of international experience spanning rail technology, electric mobility and advanced engineering, Julian Zhu brings a global perspective to Silverstream’s expansion in Asia. As Chief Regional Officer – Asia, he is focused on building strong partnerships, accelerating adoption of energy-efficiency technologies and positioning Silverstream to support China’s rapidly evolving maritime sector. In the conversation below, he reflects on his leadership philosophy, career journey and ambitions for the company’s growth in the region.
How would you describe your leadership style, and what culture are you looking to build within the China team?
Since I joined the team last year, one of the key priorities has been to continue strengthening our local presence in China, expanding our capabilities to better support customers in the region. This includes developing our aftermarket service offering and enhancing digital and performance analysis capabilities, as well as enabling shipowners to better understand and optimise vessel efficiency. At the same time, we are focused on deepening collaboration with shipowners and shipyards across China and the wider Asian market. By working more closely with partners and supporting projects locally, we aim to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and contribute to the industry’s transition toward more sustainable shipping.
My leadership philosophy focuses on creating value through innovation and technological excellence. I believe strongly in building teams that combine a deep understanding of customer needs with a commitment to developing advanced solutions. Over the course of my career, I have spent many years working internationally, including eight years in the United States, ten years in the United Kingdom and several years in Brazil. These experiences have allowed me to understand both Western and Chinese business cultures, and I try to combine the strengths of both approaches. The culture I want to build within the China team is one that encourages innovation, strong collaboration with customers and a clear focus on delivering tangible value through technology.
Looking back at your career, which experiences have most shaped your approach to leading in complex environments?
One of the most formative experiences in my career was leading the acquisition and development of SMD (Soil Machine Dynamics) under CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation). Over the past decade we transformed the business into a leading global player in subsea robotics and intervention technologies despite operating in a very challenging offshore market environment. Earlier in my career I spent more than twenty years working internationally across sectors such as rail technology, electric mobility and propulsion systems. That experience helped me develop a deep understanding of complex technologies and how to scale them globally. This is something that is increasingly important as the maritime sector undergoes rapid transformation.
What attracted you to take on this role at Silverstream at this point in your professional journey?
Silverstream is a pioneering company with a highly effective technology that can deliver significant energy savings across the global shipping fleet. At a time when the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, this technology has enormous potential. After many successful years in subsea technologies, I was looking for an opportunity where I could contribute to another industry undergoing major transformation. Maritime decarbonisation offers exactly that opportunity. At Silverstream, I can bring together my experience in developing international businesses, my understanding of both Chinese and global markets and my long association with the marine technology sector.
China’s maritime sector is evolving rapidly. How do you see Silverstream contributing to this transformation?
China’s strong focus on decarbonisation and energy efficiency creates significant opportunities for advanced technologies. Silverstream’s air lubrication systems help shipowners reduce fuel consumption and emissions, supporting their sustainability goals while improving operational efficiency. As China continues to invest in greener shipping and advanced vessel technologies, we see strong potential to work closely with shipowners and shipyards to support this transition and deliver long-term value.
Three years from now, what would you like partners and customers to say about Silverstream in China under your leadership?
I would like customers and partners to see Silverstream in China as the partner that sets the benchmark for air lubrication technology and maritime energy efficiency, helping them achieve meaningful fuel savings and real progress toward their decarbonisation goals. Ultimately, success means being recognised as a trusted strategic partner that consistently delivers measurable value and supports shipowners in improving vessel performance and efficiency.
