Silverstream’s ALS is a proven, fuel-agnostic efficiency technology which reduces a ship’s fuel consumption and emissions by lowering the frictional resistance between the hull surface and the water. The typical installation on a 300m LOA cruise ship includes 4 to 6 air compressors delivering compressed air to the flat bottom through 12 ARU - Air Release Units. This creates a uniform carpet of microbubbles which coats the hull. Depending on the type of vessel, speed and hull geometry, the system provides average net fuel savings of 5-10%.

Bluestone’s scope of work includes all activities within the vessel, from the installation of air compressors to stainless steel and steel piping, electrical cabling and connections, ventilation upgrade and modification of steel structures. The yards will be responsible for the installation of the ARUs in the hull. With this combination, owners can minimise the off-hire time to undertake the tasks that must be carried out in drydock within a scheduled docking period, while Bluestone completes the installation on voyage.

For this project, Bluestone introduced a new video reporting system to keep the client updated on project progress. A recap video has been uploaded in the customer-reserved area of Bluestone’s website every week, offering the client the chance to see real-time progress onboard. 

Matteo Di Maio and Giuseppe Costa, president and CEO at Bluestone, state: “We are proud to have been selected for additional installations of ALS and to support Princess Cruises in its long-term sustainability and decarbonization goals. Silverstream Technologies is the market leader in hull air lubrication and its system is being adopted by many leading shipowners on various types of vessels, a compelling indication of its effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption and emissions”.

These additional contracts further consolidate the position of Bluestone in the sector of retrofitting energy efficiency solutions in the marine industry, a segment that is set to grow in the next decade to comply with latest regulatory requirements such as CII and EEXI.