Micro-bubble carpet to reduce fuel consumption

London-based Silverstream Technologies has developed an air-bubble system that reduces fuel consumption by 5-12%.

The “carpet of micro-bubbles” has landed the business a £1m deal with Carnival Cruises.

The Silverstream® System, a type of Air Lubrication System (ALS), pumps tiny bubbles through vents on the hull to reduce friction between the vessel and the water, helping it glide through the ocean. The technology has been independently proven to reduce fuel consumption by 5-12%, which in turn cuts running costs.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has been providing support and opening networks, enabling the company to experience significant international growth. This has led to deals being made with leading names in the maritime industry including Carnival Cruises, Grimaldi Group and Lloyd’s Register.

“Shipping is one of the ‘hard to decarbonise’ global industries so we have spent the last few years independently testing our system to support our claims,” says Silverstream Technologies Founder & CEO, Noah Silberschmidt. “We want to become a standard on newbuild vessels in the industry and to be the ‘new normal’ for sustainable shipping.

“By working with the best partners to help shipping improve its efficiency standards, Silverstream wants to have a positive and progressive impact on the industry and in doing so, the wider world.”

The business has been operating at full capacity in line with government guidelines throughout the pandemic and is finalising deals to supply an additional 15 ships in Europe and Asia by the end of the year. Supported throughout by DIT, this is expected to double Silverstream’s overall turnover with the increased number of installations consequently reducing tonnes of fuel burn and carbon emissions every year.

“Silverstream Technologies shows that innovative solutions are being found to help the maritime sector reach its net zero carbon emissions challenge – and then be exported around the world,” says Chair of Maritime UK, Harry Theochari.

“With 90% of all global trade moving by ship, the market opportunity is vast. By developing cutting-edge green technologies, our businesses are delivering sustainable solutions and real economic and societal benefits.

“The UK maritime sector has committed to Net Zero by 2050 and it is vital that green, balanced growth is placed at the heart of our recovery from coronavirus.”