In a concerted effort to address the maritime industry’s growing environmental concerns, Silverstream Technologies and AkzoNobel have released a white paper elucidating the synergistic effects of combining air lubrication systems (ALS) with advanced fouling control coatings. The paper, titled ‘Exploring Synergy between Energy Saving Solutions for the Maritime Industry,’ posits that the amalgamation of these technologies can significantly reduce hull resistance, thereby offering ship operators a distinct competitive advantage.
The Technologies in Synergy
Silverstream Technologies’ ALS, known as the Silverstream® System, creates a carpet of microbubbles beneath a ship’s hull, reducing frictional resistance. Concurrently, AkzoNobel’s fouling control coatings maintain a smooth hull surface, further diminishing resistance. The white paper outlines three hypotheses:
The Silverstream® System does not adversely affect the performance of fouling control coatings.
The Silverstream® System can work in tandem with ultra-performance biocidal or foul release coatings to facilitate the removal of fouling.
Ultra-performance biocidal or foul release coatings can synergise with the Silverstream® System to maintain or even enhance the ALS’s resistance reduction capabilities.
The Regulatory Landscape
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050, compared to 2008 levels. However, projections indicate that these goals are unlikely to be met without more radical interventions. The white paper suggests that the most straightforward pathway to compliance lies in reducing fuel consumption.
Quantifiable Benefits
AkzoNobel’s Intertrac Vision tool predicts that ship owners could save up to 9% on power, 5,000 tonnes of fuel, and over 15,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over five years when using an ultra-performance fouling control coating. Silverstream’s ALS, on the other hand, offers fuel and emissions savings of between 5% and 11%, depending on the type of vessel.
Industry Voices
Barry Kidd, AkzoNobel Vessel Performance Manager, emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving maritime decarbonisation. Arno Dubois, Silverstream Technologies’ Lead Hydrodynamicist, echoed this sentiment, stating that the white paper brings into focus the compelling benefits of a holistic approach to fuel saving.
The white paper serves as a seminal document, highlighting the potential for technological synergy to meet the maritime industry’s sustainability goals. It underscores the need for ship operators to adopt a multi-faceted approach to energy efficiency, thereby aligning with regulatory mandates and contributing to a more sustainable future.
