The UK-based Silverstream Technologies has entered into an agreement with Carnival Corporation to install its Silverstream System on 2 new cruise ships.
These vessels, the 3rd and 4th Excel-class ships equipped with Silverstream’s air lubrication technology, will be constructed at Meyer Werft in Germany. Each ship will have a volume of 180,000 GT-tons and a passenger capacity 5400.
These LNG-powered liners are designed with a range of advanced sustainability features to align with Carnival Corporation’s decarbonization strategy, which includes a goal to reduce carbon intensity by 40% by 2026.
The Silverstream System, integral to this effort, reduces hull friction by creating a layer of air between the hull and water, leading to net fuel savings of 5–10%. The system’s effectiveness has been independently verified by Lloyd’s Register, HSVA, the University of Southampton, Carnival Corporation, and Shell.
The two ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, bringing the total number of Carnival Corporation vessels equipped with the Silverstream System to 16.
The system has already demonstrated its value, achieving ~5% fuel and emissions savings on Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess.
In addition to air lubrication, the Excel-class vessels will incorporate energy-saving technologies such as waste heat recovery systems, advanced HVAC designs, and optimized hull forms. These measures further reduce environmental impact and operating costs.
Silverstream Technologies continues to work closely with shipyards to meet growing demand for clean technologies in the maritime sector. Its system is compatible with both newbuilds and retrofits, with retrofitting completed in as little as 10 days to minimise operational downtime.
This collaboration highlights the ongoing adoption of proven clean technologies in the cruise sector, supporting industry-wide decarbonisation efforts and the transition to more sustainable operations.