- Air lubrication specialist Silverstream Technologies has announced the signing of a MoU with Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua, part of the CSSC Group.
- The MoU will see Silverstream’s air lubrication technology integrated into Hudong-Zhonghua’s new building designs for its future LNG carriers.
- The integration aims to increase operational and fuel efficiencies, reducing fuel costs and emissions by between 6% and 8% for laden and ballast conditions.
Chinese shipbuilding group Hudong-Zhonghua, part of China State Shipbuilding Company (CSSC) signed a MoU with air lubrication manufacturer Silverstream Technologies, to integrate Silverstream’s fuel-saving air lubrication technology in its future LNG carriers, reports Maritime Executive.
Silverstream’s Air lubrication system
The new LNG carrier design aims to boost fuel efficiency, reducing fuel costs and emissions by between six percent and eight percent for laden and ballast conditions. The vessels would be the first of their type to deploy Silverstream’s air lubrication system.
“We are delighted and honoured to have signed this landmark agreement with Hudong-Zhonghua, one of the world’s largest and most respected ship yards,” said Noah Silberschmidt, CEO of Silverstream Technologies.
“It is a significant step for Silverstream as we expand into a new vessel class, and further grow our customer base in the important Asian market.”
Air lubrication in Hudong-Zhonghua’s carrier
The signing of the MoU marks 12 months of in-depth collaboration between the two organisations, which culminated in the approval of Silverstream’s technology onto Hudong-Zhonghua’s LNG carrier new-build designs.
Both Silverstream and Hudong-Zhonghua will continue to collaborate to drive the sales process with prospective ship owners, working together to ensure the optimum efficiency and design on future orders from the yard.
At present, the “Big Three” South Korean shipyards dominate the LNG carrier construction market, which demands technical sophistication and yields higher margins for shipyards. Hudong-Zhonghua is China’s most experienced yard for LNG carrier new-builds.
Operational and energy efficient new vessels
Danping Lou, Chief Technical Officer, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, said, “We are committed to bringing to market the most operational and energy efficient new-build vessels for the LNG sector.“
“In working closely with Silverstream over the past 12 months, we have seen the real attributes of air lubrication technology,” he added.
He also said,“We are confident that these new vessels will set the benchmarks for vessel design and performance in the LNG sector.”
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Maritime Executive
