Sign up for Silverstream Communications

Get regular news updates and customer insights on how ALS is transforming maritime efficiency.


News

4 December 2019

Silverstream collaborates with SWS on new build development projects

Featured image for Silverstream collaborates with SWS on new build development projects

Three JDPs under way with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Ship Building Co Ltd

Silverstream has announced the completion of three joint development projects with SWS (Shanghai Waigaoqiao Ship Building Co., Ltd) across two new energy efficient vessels. 

The projects spanned a 180,000dwt dual fuel bulk carrier design that has gained Agreement in Principle from Lloyd’s Register and a separate 300,000dwt dual fuel VLCC design that has achieved Agreement in Principle from both Lloyd’s Register and ABS. 

The Joint Development Projects will see Silverstream’s team of naval architects and marine engineers support the yard to integrate the Silverstream® System from the very beginning of the design phase of the new vessels. This reflects the growing demand for the implementation of proven clean technologies that drive operational and environmental efficiencies on newbuilds. 

By integrating clean technologies at this early stage in a vessel’s lifecycle, optimum efficiency gains can be designed and priced into the overall newbuild plan, lowering the barrier to entry for the adoption of clean technology even further. 

The announcement took place at a press conference hosted by SWS at Marintec China in Shanghai, during which the Agreements in Principle were handed over from Lloyd’s Register and ABS. 

Positioned centrally within a suite of innovative technologies incorporated into each vessel design, the Silverstream® System will deliver proven, validated improvements to energy efficiency, thereby reducing fuel costs and associated emissions. 

The Silverstream® System is expected to generate efficiency savings of between 5-10% across the two vessels, depending on their particular characteristics. 

Speaking at the signing, Noah Silberschmidt, CEO of Silverstream Technologies, said: “By signing these projects with SWS today, we are demonstrating that the appetite for proven clean technology with our industry has never been stronger. Incorporating efficiency solutions at the design phase of newbuild vessels is one of the immediate ways that owners and operators can realise fuel savings and also lessen their impact on the environment. 

“In further strengthening our ties with shipyards like SWS, we remove more barriers to the widespread uptake of clean technologies like ours. We are extremely excited to see the results of these Joint Development Projects and look forward to working with SWS, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and our other project partners.” 

Liu Jianfeng, Chief Technologist, SWS, commented: “We have focused on developing clean and smart ships that are technically reliable and commercially feasible. We are proud to design advanced ships that will benefit ship owners and lead eco-friendly shipping.” 

The Silverstream® System creates a carpet of microbubbles that coats the entire flat bottom of the vessel, reducing frictional resistance between the hull and the water and thereby dramatically reducing fuel consumption and related emissions. 

Continue exploring

All resources
News

22 May 2026

Silverstream Technologies has been named ‘Most Innovative Company of the Year’ at the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) Business Awards, recognising the company’s continued advancement of clean maritime technology and its growing contribution to shipping decarbonisation.Presented during the CBBC’s Chinese Shakespeare Supper 2026 in London, the award recognises not only Silverstream’s continued commitment to innovation, but also the company’s contribution to strengthening commercial relationships and collaboration between the UK and China through its growing presence across the global maritime industry. The event brought together representatives from leading British and Chinese businesses and institutions to celebrate and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.Headquartered in London, Silverstream has established itself as one of the shipping industry’s leading operational energy efficiency providers. Its patented Silverstream® System reduces frictional resistance between the hull and water through the generation of microbubbles beneath the vessel, enabling fuel savings and lower CO₂ emissions across a wide range of vessel segments and operating conditions.As of today, the Silverstream® System has accumulated more than 600,000 estimated running hours at sea — equivalent to approximately 74 years of continuous operation. The milestone reflects a depth of operational experience unmatched within the energy efficiency market and demonstrates the maturity, reliability and…

News

19 May 2026

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…

News

9 April 2026

As Chief Regional Officer – Asia at Silverstream Technologies, Julian Zhu is leading the company’s expansion across one of the most dynamic maritime markets in the world. In this conversation, he discusses China’s accelerating push toward decarbonisation, the sectors offering the strongest growth potential and how energy efficiency technologies such as air lubrication are becoming essential tools in the transition to greener shipping.The Year of the Horse symbolises energy, drive and forward momentum. What are your key priorities for Silverstream in China in the year ahead?Our first priority is to further deepen cooperation with both shipowners and shipyards across China in order to deliver advanced energy-efficiency solutions to the market. At the same time, we are strengthening our local capabilities in China. This includes expanding aftermarket service capacity and further developing our data and digital capabilities. Artificial intelligence will increasingly support the processing and interpretation of vessel performance data, allowing operators to better understand how efficiency technologies perform in real operations. By combining strong local partnerships with advanced digital tools, we aim to accelerate adoption of energy-saving technologies throughout the region.China’s maritime and shipping sectors are evolving rapidly. What major developments will most influence the market over the next three…