Image credit: Silverstream Technologies / Carnival Corporation

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Silverstream Technologies, a provider of air lubrication technology for the shipping industry, said on Monday that the installation of its proprietary Silverstream System aboard Carnival's Diamond Princess "exceeds expectations" in terms of reducing bunker costs.

The system has been in operation since June 2017, during which time it is said to have lowered fuel consumption and related CO2 emissions.

The air lubrication system recently completed its final contract trials, verified by Lloyd's Register, which are said to have demonstrated that the original performance expectations were exceeded, with net efficiency improvements of more than five percent at the design service speed.

According to Silverstream, Carnival decided to retrofit Silverstream's air lubrication system following an analysis of systems on the market and "Silverstream's proven track record for delivering tangible reductions in fuel costs and emissions, attained through comprehensive sea-trialling and in-operation data analysis".

"Sustainability is a top priority for Carnival Corporation," said Mike Kaczmarek, Vice President of Corporate Marine Technology for Carnival Corporation, whose global cruise line brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line and Seabourn in addition to Princess Cruises.

"Our recent Sustainability Report, published in 2017, set clear goals for improving the efficiency of our fleet through overall operations and innovative solutions. Retrofitting Silverstream's air lubrication technology on the Diamond Princess is another example of our ongoing efforts to leverage technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions."

Noah Silberschmidt, CEO of Silverstream Technologies, remarked: "The installation of the Silverstream System on the Diamond Princess once again demonstrates the very real demand for proven clean technologies that are cost-effective, easy to implement and operate, and deliver the efficiency benefits that are claimed.

"Cruise operators are under increasing pressure from customers and regulators to improve sustainability. Our work with Carnival Corporation and Princess Cruises reflects the growing confidence in our technology."