SilverStream Technologies

Trusted by container shipping

Silverstream’s technology is trusted by leading container ship owners – reflecting the strong technical fit and commercial confidence in our solution for this vessel type. With high speeds, large flat bottoms, and frequent long-haul voyages, container ships are ideal candidates for the Silverstream^® System. Our proven solution helps operators improve CII ratings, reduce emissions costs, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Driving box market efficiency

Our technology has earned the trust of industry leaders such as Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), reinforcing our position as the preferred partner for air lubrication in container shipping.

In 2021, MSC placed the largest-ever order for a maritime clean propulsion technology with over 30 vessels. It has since expanded its commitment to 84 systems from Silverstream, including for the world’s largest container ship, MSC Irina.

Container ships are particularly well-suited to Silverstream’s air lubrication system due to their large flat bottoms, high operating speeds, and long-distance trading patterns. Our system helps operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions, improving CII ratings and lowering exposure to emissions-related costs such as the EU ETS.
It provides customers with operational flexibility. Depending on their priorities, operators can choose to travel at higher speeds for the same fuel consumption, or cut fuel consumption and emissions without sacrificing speed.

Control and Monitoring System

The Control and Monitoring System (CMS) for the Silverstream^® System comprises the main Control Cabinet, which includes the processing unit, and at least one workstation which is either mounted to the CMS panel or installed in a location defined by the customer. Additional Workstations can be positioned in other locations around the vessel depending on design requirements. The CMS interfaces with the ALS plant as well as shipboard systems. The workstation is the primary Human Machine Interface (HMI) for operation of the ALS. In addition to the main ALS workstation, portable workstations can be connected to the Ethernet control network at locations requested by the owner to act as an additional HMI.

Air Compressors

The ALS utilises a set of low-pressure oil-free volumetric compressors, mostly of the helical screw type, which generate a constant volumetric flow for a given speed of motor operation. Each compressor is powered through a VSD-controlled motor. The compressor speed is controlled by the Silverstream^® System and varies depending on the vessel’s draught and speed.

Each compressor supplies air to two (2) ARUs. The location of the compressors is decided depending on the position of the ARUs, the existing piping arrangements and piping that potentially needs to be installed. They are arranged in such a manner that they are as evenly distributed as possible between the port and starboard sides of the vessel.

Air Release Units

An Air Release Units (ARU) is a proprietary discharge unit that penetrates the hull and releases air fed through the Silverstream^® System pipework into the water stream. As the vessel sails, the ARUs generate a carpet of microbubbles which reduces the vessel’s frictional resistance. The ARUs are built using structural steel, fabricated in accordance with Class requirements. They are arranged in a pattern, determined during the design phase, and are integrated into the bottom structure towards the bow.

Air Balancing Module

The air balancing module is a custom fabricated galvanised steel component for the Silverstream^® System that distributes air from the compressor to both ARU branches. Flanged bosses are welded for the drain valve, level sensor and spares that are blanked to allow for troubleshooting.

Explore our installations across key vessel segments and see how the Silverstream^® System could benefit your fleet.

Sign up for Silverstream Communications