- Wärtsilä to install Silverstream’s air lubrication system on a trial basis to reduce Maersk container ship’s carbon footprint
- the trial will examine possible improvements to the ship’s overall efficiency, focusing on the reduction of fuel consumption and associated emission levels
- the program will have a special emphasis on the potential application of the System for methanol-fuelled Maersk vessels
- the System has been proven to reduce fuel burn and associated emissions by five to ten percent, depending on vessel type
The technology group Wärtsilä, in cooperation with Silverstream Technologies, will install Silverstream’s proprietary Air Lubrication System, the Silverstream® System, on a trial basis on a large container vessel owned by A.P. Moller – Maersk says a press release on their website.
Reduction of fuel consumption
The trial will examine possible improvements to the ship’s overall efficiency, focusing on the reduction of fuel consumption and associated emission levels. The program will have a special emphasis on the potential application of the System for methanol-fuelled Maersk vessels. The ultimate aim of all three companies is to support efforts to decarbonize shipping operations.
How it works
Silverstream’s Air Lubrication System creates a carpet of microbubbles that coat the entire flat bottom of the vessel. This carpet effectively reduces frictional resistance between the hull and the water. The technology works in all maritime conditions, is not weather dependent, and does not constrain or negatively impact the normal operational profile of the vessel.
The Silverstream equipment
The Wärtsilä / Silverstream equipment will be delivered during the second quarter of 2022. For new build vessels, air lubrication can notably improve compliance with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). The System has been proven to reduce fuel burn and associated emissions by five to ten percent, depending on vessel type.
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