Silverstream air lubrication system for Carnival's 2023 Excel newbuild

The Silverstream System uses a series of air release units in the flat bottom of a vessel to generate a rigid carpet of microbubbles that travel the full length of the hull. The technology will be installed during the ship's construction, with Meyer Werft manufacturing the air release units to Silverstream specifications.

5% net fuel/emissions savings

The Silverstream System is projected to generate net fuel and emissions savings of more than 5%. The 344-meter Carnival ship, like other vessels in the Excel class, will be powered by LNG.

This news follows the order and ongoing installation of the Silverstream System on P&O Cruises’ vessel Arvia, also an Excel-class vessel, currently under construction at Meyer Werft.

Follows Diamond Princess success

Silverstream’s relationship with Carnival Corp. & plc began in 2017 with the installation of its technology Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess. The performance of the Silverstream System on this vessel — verified at more than 5% net fuel and emissions savings by classification society Lloyd’s Register — laid the groundwork for more installations.

'We are proud to further cement our strong relationship with Carnival with a second order of the Silverstream System on its Excel-class vessels. A repeat order for our technology from the cruise sector’s leading brand reflects its viability to cut emissions and reduce fuel costs,' Silverstream Techologies CEO Noah Silberschmidt said.

'These powerful savings, combined with our system’s high reliability, availability and low maintenance, means that we have become a critical part of Carnival’s sustainability road map,' he added. Further, Silberschmidt expressed satisfaction at working with Meyer again: 'Maintaining a close partnership with leading shipyards is a vital part of our efforts to scale installations of our technology as a standard on all newbuild vessels.'

Dynamic relationship

'Carnival took the decision to add [the system] quite late in the build process, so the fact we have been able to accommodate this change at short notice reflects our strong, dynamic relationship and the flexibility of the Silverstream team,' said Stephan Schmees, executive board member, project management ships & quality. '... We strive for high quality, expert engineering, and proven clean technologies, such as the Silverstream® System, help us achieve this.'

'Following the impressive fuel and emission savings on Diamond Princess, and subsequent orders of the system, we value our relationship with Silverstream and are excited to explore more opportunities to champion clean technologies in the future,' said Ben Clement, SVP newbuilds, refurbishments & product innovation, Carnival Cruise Line.