Denmark Wärtsilä will install Silverstream Technologies’ proprietary Air Lubrication System, the Silverstream System, on a large container vessel owned by A.P. Moller – Maersk on a trial basis.

The trial will look into ways to increase the ship’s overall efficiency, with a focus on lowering fuel usage and accompanying emissions.

The program will place a special emphasis on the System’s possible application for methanol-fueled Maersk vessels. The ultimate goal of all three organizations is to help decarbonize shipping operations.

The Air Lubrication System from Silverstream creates a carpet of microbubbles that coats the whole flat bottom of the vessel. The frictional resistance between the hull and the water is effectively reduced by this carpet. The system works in all maritime situations, is not weather dependant, and has no constraints or negative impacts on the vessel’s usual operational profile.

The Wärtsilä / Silverstream equipment is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022.