The LNG carriers are being built at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company. Credit: Silverstream Technology / China Merchants Energy Shipping.

Silverstream Technologies has received a contract from China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) to deploy its air lubrication technology on four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

Named SilverstreamSystem, the air lubrication technology will be installed on four 175,000m³ LNG carriers being constructed at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC). 

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Covering four installations and two options, the contract will see Silverstream’s technology deployed on the first China-owned and Chinese-built LNG carriers.

The installation of the SilverstreamSystem will be in line with DSIC’s construction schedule and is anticipated to be completed by the end of next year.

The new 175,000m³ vessels being constructed at DSIC will each be jointly classed by the China Classification Society and Lloyd’s Register, American Bureau of Shipping, DNV and Bureau Veritas, respectively.

According to the company, the SilverstreamSystem is expected to lower the vessels’ fuel consumption and emissions by 5%-10% net and is suitable in all sea conditions.

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Furthermore, the system can be deployed along with multiple other technological solutions, including an LNG dual-fuel propulsion chain and a Mark III membrane cargo containment system. 

Silverstream Technologies founder and CEO Noah Silberschmidt said: “We are delighted to announce this new deal with China Merchants Energy Shipping that will see our technology installed on the very first Chinese-owned, Chinese-built LNGCs in the world.

“It comes thanks to our proven track record of cutting emissions and fuel consumption in one of the shipping industry’s most important operating sectors.”

Recently, the company also secured a contract from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the deployment of the SilverstreamSystem on six of the first LNG carriers constructed at Jiangnan shipyard in China.

Last June, Silverstream signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mitsui & Co to advance the deployment of the former’s air lubrication technology in Japan.

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