Maritime clean technology company Silverstream Technologies has signed an agreement with Carnival Corporation & plc to install the Silverstream® System on another two cruise ships, according to the company's release.
These will be the third and fourth new build Excel-class vessels to be fitted with its air lubrication system. The 180,000 GT vessels, with a capacity of over 5,000 passengers, will be built at German shipyard Meyer Werft and feature key sustainability technologies to support Carnival Corporation in meeting its decarbonisation goals.
The LNG-powered newbuild vessels, among the most environmentally advanced ships in their class, will integrate Silverstream’s technology onboard, unlocking net fuel savings potential and paving the way for the next generation of low-emission passenger vessels.
Previously, the system delivered approximately 5% net fuel and emissions savings onboard Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess. This aligns with Carnival Corporation’s focus on minimising its carbon intensity by 40%, a target the company aims to achieve by 2026—four years ahead of initial projections.
The two newbuilds, scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, will result in a total of 16 vessels in Carnival Corporation’s fleet with the Silverstream® System advancing the company’s decarbonisation aspirations. Like their predecessors, these latest additions to the fleet will also feature a broad range of other energy efficiency improvements, such as waste heat recovery, sophisticated HVAC systems and hull form optimisation, helping Carnival Corporation further minimise its environmental footprint and operating costs.
The emissions savings generated by the Silverstream® System support decarbonisation goals that help further the sustainability leadership positioning of cruise operators.
The Silverstream® System works by reducing frictional resistance between the water and the hull surface, minimising net fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by 5-10%. The system has been independently verified by Lloyd’s Register, HSVA, the University of Southampton, Carnival Corporation, and Shell. It can also be retrofitted in 10 days or less, minimising disruptions to vessel operations.