MSC books 30+ Silverstream systems for newbuilds

The delivery of the newbuildings equipped with the system from shipyards in Asia is expected between 2022 and 2024. The order relates to a substantial portion of MSC’s newbuild pipeline, and includes a number of vessels that are expected to be deployed on the world’s busiest trade lanes between Asia and Europe.

The significant order is the single largest installation programme that Silverstream Technologies has ever conducted of its market-leading air lubrication technology. It is also the largest order of air lubrication technology by a single operator to date.

The installations are expected to result in an estimated fuel saving of €257.5 million (£220 million) over the vessels’ 25-year lifespan. Silverstream’s technology, which generates a rigid carpet of air bubbles to reduce friction between the hull and the water, has been proven to save 5-10% of fuel and emissions. Over the same period, this could result in a carbon emissions reduction of 1.6 million tonnes as a direct impact of having the System onboard.

Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuildings, MSC, said: “As part of our significant efforts to further improve our environmental performance, we are continuously on the lookout for new innovative solutions that could help us achieve efficiency gains. Air lubrication technology is one of the proven technologies that can help ships to achieve fuel savings and reduce energy losses. With the right hull design and the substantial reduction in carbon emissions that the Silverstream^® System can offer, we’ve found the perfect match to fit our fleet with an effective efficiency solution”.