Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE) has signed a strategic deal with maritime clean technology company Silverstream Technologies to facilitate retrofit opportunities.

MMHE, which is a major LNG carrier repair yard in Asia, will become an approved installation provider for Silverstream’s air lubrication technology, and the two companies will share information and knowledge.

Silverstream said it will provide technical and commercial support to MMHE in securing contracts, including initial efficiency saving estimates and system design information on proposed installations.

The companies also said they will perform joint promotion of the Silverstream system, which produces a carpet of bubbles to reduce friction between hull and sea, and other complementary products and services.

The technology has been independently proven to save 5% to 10% of fuel and emissions and is being tested by companies including Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Co and Vale.

MMHE managing director and chief executive Pandai Othman said: “This strategic partnership is a promising start as it unlocks new commercial opportunities for both companies.”

The combination would help shipping companies adopt decarbonisation strategies and accelerate the industry’s transition to cleaner shipping, he added.

The Pasir Gudang-based yard, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings, opened a new 400,000-dwt drydock for ship repairs in late 2020.

Silverstream signed a licence and co-operation deal for sales and servicing of its air bubble systems with Finnish technology group Wartsila in late 2019.

MSC ordered 30 of the Silverstream systems in September last year in the biggest contract yet for the UK-based technology developer.