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…

In the second video episode of Silverstream Insights, we sit down with our Chief Operations Officer, Simon Cuthbert, to find out more about how Silverstream enhances supply chain resilience to benefit global shipping.

Following a recent business trip to Tokyo, our Founder & CEO, Noah Silberschmidt, reflects on a week full of insights and inspiring conversations with members of the maritime community in Japan.

Silverstream Technologies, the London-headquartered clean maritime technology company, has been named a winner of the BloombergNEF (BNEF) Pioneers 2026 competition, recognising the company’s contribution to advancing a scalable decarbonisation solution for global shipping through its air lubrication technology.Silverstream was selected in the ‘Decarbonizing Shipping and Heavy-Duty Transport’ category, after BloombergNEF reviewed more than 600 applications, identifying 29 finalists globally before selecting this year’s winners. The BloombergNEF Pioneers programme recognises climate technologies that deliver measurable impact in sectors where commercial deployment remains critical to accelerating the energy transition.  The Silverstream® System reduces frictional resistance between hull and water by generating a carpet of microbubbles beneath the vessel, improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions across a broad range of vessel types and operating profiles, including Cruise vessels, Ro-Ro, PCTC, Containerships and LNG carriers. Silverstream’s technology delivers proven fuel and emissions savings which have been verified by independent third parties, including leading classification societies, HSVA, Carnival, Shell and the University of Southampton. As the market-leader in air lubrication technology, Silverstream now has an orderbook of more than 250 systems, with over 150 vessels in operation, reflecting increasing adoption across both retrofit and newbuild programmes. Noah Silberschmidt, Founder and CEO of Silverstream, commented: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from BloombergNEF,…

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…

Geopolitical uncertainty means testing times for global shipping, but the stage is set for the coming of age of energy efficiency technologies (EETs), says Silverstream Chief Commercial Officer, Craig Patrick.

In this inaugural episode of Silverstream Insights, our Chief Digital & Information Officer, Nick Chrissos, discusses the impact of AI on Silverstream as a business, the maritime industry and what to look forward to in 2026.

Innovation remains part of our DNA as we look to 2026 opportunities.

Our journey, navigating challenges and celebrating successes. 15 years of innovation, building a more sustainable world.

AI must have purpose says Nick Chrissos, Silverstream Chief Digital & Information Officer

Julian Zhu joins as Chief Regional Officer – Asia

Naples-based owner will install air lubrication on vessels built at China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard Co.

We have 150 vessels in the water, all contributing to maritime efficiency.

Our people, our power. With nearly 150 onboard, we review past and present successes.

Collaboration with class and others underpinning adoption of clean technologies 

Nathan Liu and Luke de Freitas on how China is evaluating air lubrication

Innovation accolade recognises the real-world impact of the Silverstream^® System

Accolade follows 2023 recognition in the International Trade category.

The existing fleet is a key focus for Silverstream in delivering fuel savings.

Chief Digital & Information Officer Nick Chrissos shares detail on Silverstream’s digital leap forward

How we help customers get the most value from our solution

Air Lubrication cuts frictional resistance reducing fuel costs and emissions.

It takes many parts to bring the Silverstream^® System to life.

Silverstream^® System to be installed on another two vessels

Founder & CEO Noah Silberschmidt and Chief Strategy Officer Stephen Potts talk about the pioneering role of Silverstream supporting in ALS development and maritime industry take up.

Agreement expands access to retrofit installations

Company achieves ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 27001 / ISO 45001

Deal sees ALS installed on vessels chartered by a global energy company

New hub to enhance operational capabilities and support existing fleet

Sponsorship aligns with our commitment to community and the environment.

ALS leader among Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private companies.

Parties to collaborate on installing Silverstream^® System on existing ships

Company optimises its leadership team with several new appointments

Highly Commended accolade from UK DBT

Move part of a wider plan focused on our Korean supply chain and service network

Successful completion of LNG vessel retrofit in Singapore.

Financial Times recognises Silverstream as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe.

KCC announces a deal to retrofit four additional vessels with the Silverstream^® System.

Silverstream and equipment and technical services provider Franman sign an agency agreement to support sales.

Silverstream’s role in maritime decarbonisation recognised with ESG China Awards win.

Silverstream and MAN Energy Solutions collaborate to support the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry. 

AIP further strengthens relationships and operations in Asia

Two companies sign MOU to drive retrofits and newbuild installations

Prestigious cruise industry award recognises Silverstream’s innovative solution.

Silverstream sees growth in orders from the LNG carrier (LNGC) segment.

New whitepaper analyses the impact of hull air lubrication on underwater radiated noise (URN), propulsion and cavitation. 

King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade recognises Silverstream’s role as clean maritime innovator.

Silverstream celebrates Japanese market milestone.

Silverstream’s role as clean maritime innovator recognised in prestigious industry awards.

Financial Times recognises Silverstream as fourth fastest-growing company in Europe.

Silverstream^® System to be installed as part of newbuild LNG carrier programme for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

Silverstream celebrates deal with first China-owned, Chinese-built LNGCs.

New Chief Data Officer joins Silverstream.

Cruise leader expands number of vessels with Silverstream^® System onboard.

Silverstream welcomes new Chief Financial Officer on board.

Strategic agreement to promote the use of market-leading air lubrication technology in the Middle East.

Silverstream partners withDSIC to install air lubrication system onboard six LNG-powered container ships.

Collaboration to facilitate information and knowledge sharing between two companies. 

Colson is Commercial VP, Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) overseeing all of it’s commercial activities

Newbuild order and installation successfully executed for pioneering clean technology

Installation of systems will take place at China Merchants Nanjing Jinling shipyard (Weihai) 

Award recognises the retrofit installation of the Silverstream^® System on Methane Patricia Camila

Retrofit achieves verified performance of 6.6% net savings during initial testing 

Project CHEK combines the expertise of a range of market leaders

Savings of 5.1% recorded during ALS testing

Framework agreement will extend ICE’s retrofit design activity

New framework will expedite the installation of the technology on Shell’s LNGC fleet

Three JDPs under way with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Ship Building Co Ltd

Partners in licence and co-operation agreement for future sales and servicing of the Silverstream ALS

MOU with subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation is a significant milestone

Silverstream^® System to be installed on 12 cutting-edge, hybrid RoRo vessels.

Installation of the Silverstream^® System on the Diamond Princess exceeds expectations in delivering fuel cost and emissions reductions.