Silverstream Technologies has reported promising results from their air lubrication systems (ALS), which appear to significantly reduce the buildup of fouling on ship hulls. This development is evidenced by dry-docked vessels showing minimal fouling on the flat bottom where ALS is installed. With 79 vessels currently in service and 200 more on order, Silverstream is expanding its operations and staffing to support the growing demand for ALS technology, reports Seatrade Maritime.
Air lubrication system
Silverstream Technologies is observing notable benefits from their air lubrication systems (ALS), particularly in reducing hull fouling. According to recent reports, vessels equipped with ALS show little to no fouling on their flat bottoms, even after being stationary in fouling-prone areas like the Amazonian Delta and Indonesian waters. Silverstream’s founder and CEO, Noah Silberschmidt, highlighted that inspections of two stationary vessels revealed no fouling, supported by extensive video evidence.
The ALS works by generating microbubbles that deter microorganisms from settling on the ship’s hull. This creates a cleaner and more efficient hull surface, potentially leading to significant operational benefits. Although the company has not yet fully quantified the anti-fouling effects, they acknowledge that this is an encouraging sign.
Silverstream is expanding its workforce, adding 40 technicians to its Southampton base to support the 135 employees already working in Shanghai and London. The company anticipates having over 100 ships fitted with ALS by the end of the year and expects this number to grow rapidly as new orders are fulfilled.
The ALS technology seems particularly effective for faster-moving ships that are in constant operation, including container ships, cruise vessels, car carriers, and gas tankers. The average return on investment for ALS is around two years, which is expected to improve further with the introduction of carbon charges.
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Source: Seatrade Maritime
