Carnival Corp strikes new deal for decarbonisation goals

Maritime clean technology company Silverstream Technologies has signed an agreement with Carnival Corp to install the Silverstream system on two cruise ships. These will be the third and fourth newbuild Excel-class vessels to be fitted with its air-lubrication system.

The 180,000-gt vessels, with a capacity of more than 5,000 passengers, will be built at German shipyard Meyer Werft and feature key sustainability technologies to support Carnival Corp in meeting its decarbonisation goals. 

The LNG-powered newbuild vessels will integrate Silverstream’s technology on board. Previously, the system delivered approximately 5% net fuel and emissions savings on board Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess. This aligns with Carnival Corp’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 bring the number of vessels in Carnival Corp’s fleet fitted with the Silverstream system to 16. 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 hullform optimisation, helping Carnival Corp further minimise its environmental footprint and operating costs.

Carnival Corp chief maritime officer, vice admiral (Ret) William Burke said, “Silverstream’s ability to deliver proven, verified greenhouse gas and fuel cost savings sets them apart in a crowded marketplace. Our continued partnership has thrived thanks to our shared commitment to advancing sustainability in the maritime sector. As we work towards net zero by 2050, we look forward to many more years of collaboration, driving energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions throughout our fleet.”
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%.