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The Silverstream® System

The market-leading Silverstream® System is a patented and proven air lubrication technology, designed to drive maritime energy efficiency.

Our system fundamentally changes the interaction between water and a vessel. It shears air from air release units (ARUs) in the hull to create a uniform carpet of microbubbles that covers the full flat bottom of a vessel. As a result, frictional resistance is decreased – reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Our savings have been verified by independent third parties, including leading classification societies, HSVA, Carnival, Shell and the University of Southampton.

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Delivering cost and CO2 savings

200 +

Vessels

The number of vessels with Silverstream ALS system onboard in service

5 bn

Fuel dollar savings

Amount of fuel saved across the in service fleet averaged across fleet and sectors expected operational profiles

20 m

Tonnes of Co2

Amount of CO2 saved from the fuel savings

2 bn

Carbon tax dollars

The potential Carbon tax the in service fleet would have to pay if they didn’t have Silverstream ALS saving them fuel

Unlock the benefits of the Silverstream® System

Our patented and fuel-agnostic Silverstream® System creates a uniform carpet of microbubbles that cuts frictional resistance between a ship’s hull and the water. This dramatically reduces fuel consumption and associated emissions, delivering between 5-10% proven net fuel and emissions savings, depending on vessel type. Our savings have been verified by independent third parties, including classification societies, academic institutions and shipping industry leaders

Control and Monitoring System

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

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

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

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.

Control and Monitoring System

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

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

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

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.

Control and Monitoring System

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

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

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

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.

Control and Monitoring System

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

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

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

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.

Control and Monitoring System

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

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

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

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.

Seamless integration

The Silverstream® System integrates seamlessly into both newbuild and retrofit projects, with our team supporting you from initial design through to system handover.

Visit our newbuild and retrofit pages to explore the key steps involved in each type of installation.

Newbuilds

The Silverstream® System is simple to operate, and is easy to install on newbuilds. Our goal is to make air lubrication a global standard for all newbuild vessels.

Click here

Retrofits

Our retrofitting projects can typically be completed in 10 days during planned dry dock periods, with the fastest recorded dry dock installation being 6 days.

Click here

Decarbonisation and regulatory compliance

The Silverstream® System supports compliance with key regulations such as EEDI, EEXI, CII, FUEL EU Maritime and the EU ETS.

We help our ship owners and operators navigate an evolving regulatory landscape, delivering real emissions savings and future-proofing their fleet.

Regulations & Compliance
  • EEDI
  • EEXI
  • CII
  • FUEL EU Maritime
  • EU ETS

Work with the leader in air lubrication.

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