Policy & Research

Innovation through learning

Silverstream has embarked upon a substantial programme of research to measure the consequential impacts that the Silverstream® System delivers to ship operations, ranging from reduction in hull fouling, the dampening of onboard noise and vibrations, to the suppression of a vessel’s underwater radiated noise (URN) signature.

We are always learning and never stand still in our pursuit of supporting maritime decarbonisation.

Global Industry Alliance

Silverstream is a founding member of the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) – a public-private partnership initiative of the IMO under the framework of the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloMEEP Project. Under this initiative we are leading the charge to support a more transparent industry that fully embraces the power of innovative clean technologies.

We are leading a group in the GIA to push the creation of a set of standards to govern how clean technologies are tested. In doing this, we work with key partners including Shell, Grimaldi and others to create a new ‘high watermark’ for clean technology development and adoption.

CHEK Project

Silverstream was a key contributing partner in the CHEK Project (deCarbonising sHipping by Enabling Key technology symbiosis on real vessel concept designs), an EU Horizon 2020 initiative focused on decarbonising international shipping.

Silverstream advised on the implementation of air lubrication technology for two cutting-edge vessel designs. The CHEK project conducted a life-cycle assessment, comparing a standard Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 2 compliant bulk carrier and cruise ship with equivalent ships using an optimised Future-Proof Vessel (FPV) design platform. The results demonstrated that combining low-carbon fuel options with a range of energy efficiency technologies significantly reduces onboard energy consumption compared to current baselines.

EEDI sets a target for energy efficiency per tonne mile for different ship types. The CHEK Project’s work advances compliance efforts and contributes to a future-proof, decarbonised shipping industry. Its proposed vessel designs integrate multiple energy-saving technologies, including Silverstream's air lubrication system, working in harmony to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The project, which began in 2021, has spanned three years, with the Silverstream® System playing a crucial role throughout.