Silverstream to install air lubrication system on new Carnival cruise ship

UK-based Silverstream Technologies will install its air lubrication system on Carnival Cruise Line's new ship to be delivered in 2027.

PHOTO: Carnival's cruise ship. Carnival Cruise Line

Silverstream's air lubrication system is an energy efficiency measure that uses air from air release units (ARUs) in the hull to generate air bubbles that run continuously beneath the ship’s surface, forming a coat of air that reduces friction between the water and the hull.

The company says studies conducted by Lloyd's Register, Shell, Carnival Cruise Line, and several others have found that its air lubrication system can reduce bunker fuel consumption by 5–10%, depending on the ship’s type and class.

Carnival signed an agreement with Silverstream in 2022 to install Silverstream systems across its cruise brands.

The upcoming Carnival's cruise vessel is a sister ship to the Carnival Jubilee, which also uses the air lubrication system and was delivered last year.

Silverstream says its technology can be installed on newbuilds or retrofitted to existing ships with minimum turnaround time and disruptions to operations.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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