MSC containership gets Silverstream's air lubrication system

UK-based technology company Silverstream Technologies has installed its air lubrication system on the shipping firm Mediterranean Shipping Company’s containership, MSC Irina.

PHOTO: Company representatives after installing air lubrication system on MSC Irina. Silverstream Technologies

Silverstream Technologies partnered with Chinese shipbuilders Yangzijiang Shipbuilding to carry out the installation on the 24,000 TEU containership, MSC Irina.

The air lubrication system 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 significantly. Silverstream Technologies claims the technology can reduce net fuel consumption and emissions by 5-10%.

The company considers this installation “the first of an extensive roll out programme across a fleet of MSC newbuilds due to take place over several years.”

Silverstream Technologies has been seeing rapid adoption of its air lubrication system among shipowners and operators looking to cut fuel consumption and emissions.

Some of the fleets of German shipping company Grimaldi Group, Chinese shipping company China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have installed or chosen to install this air lubrication system recently.

By Tuhin Roy

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