Guy Platten, former Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, has joined Silverstream Technologies as a consultant on regulatory affairs. In this exclusive interview, he shares why he believes energy efficiency is the foundation of shipping's transition to net zero, what excites him about working with the Silverstream team, and how collaboration — from Chinese shipyards to global regulators — will be key to accelerating real change across the maritime industry.
 

Guy Platten

You've had a long career at the forefront of global shipping. What drew you to Silverstream Technologies at this stage in your journey?

Guy Platten: I think the maritime industry is at a crossroads now and it's clear that the decarbonisation journey is going to accelerate in the years to come. The best fuel is the fuel you don't use. So, what really drew me to Silverstream Technologies, is what the company actually does - save fuel, save energy. This is going to make a massive difference to the shipping industry.
 
After leading the International Chamber of Shipping, why was this the right step for you personally and professionally?

Guy Platten: After leaving the ICS, I took some time to decide what I wanted to do next. I wanted to work only with companies whose products and purpose I genuinely believe in. What Silverstream Technologies does with its air lubrication system is making a real contribution to something I'm quite passionate about - the greening of shipping, the maritime industry's decarbonisation journey. 

Silverstream is increasingly seen as more than a start-up. How do you see the company's role evolving?

Guy Platten: I think it's only going to get bigger. There's no doubt about it. I think the shipping industry is going to have to switch to zero-carbon fuels and reduce the carbon footprint. But as I said earlier: The best fuel is the fuel we don't use. So therefore, I think these energy saving technologies, particularly Silverstream's Air Lubrication System, are going to be an integral part of this development. There is no doubt that the number of ships fitted with the technology will increase. And I think Silverstream is certainly much more than a start-up now. It's an established business which will continue to grow.
 
What sets Silverstream apart from other companies developing and deploying energy efficiency solutions?

Guy Platten: What sets Silverstream apart is the combination of its people and its technology. The team is highly ambitious, innovative, and a real pleasure to work with. I also have great confidence in the technology they’ve developed — it delivers real, measurable benefits — and that’s why I was eager to be part of their journey.

Why are energy efficiency technologies such a critical piece of the decarbonisation puzzle right now?

Guy Platten: Energy efficiency technologies are vital because they help reduce fuel consumption from the outset. The zero-carbon fuels that will replace fossil fuels have a much lower energy density, meaning ships will need to store more fuel to travel the same distance. By saving fuel now, we not only cut emissions immediately but also ease that future challenge. Technologies like the Silverstream Air Lubrication System will be absolutely fundamental in helping the industry make the transition to net zero.

You've said the best fuel is the fuel that is not burned. How can this mindset change the industry's approach to technology adoption? 

Guy Platten: I think it's going to be a matter of economics and practicalities. There's no doubt that zero-carbon fuels will be more expensive than fossil fuels. If you can save on the fuel and the technology is fuel agnostic - it works both with fossil fuels and zero-carbon fuels - there are real financial savings to be had, which acts as payback on the technology employed. I do think shipowners and ship operators look very carefully at the whole life cycle of a ship in order to maximise the savings available.

From a regulatory perspective, what barriers still exist to wider adoption of efficiency technologies? 

Guy Platten: From a regulatory perspective, we need to ensure that the framework actively encourages the adoption of efficiency technologies. Regulations such as the EEXI and EEDI already support improvements in vessel design, but we must go further. It's important that energy-saving technologies are fully recognized, incorporated, and accepted as part of the regulatory structure moving forward.

China is the world's leading shipbuilding nation. How important is its role in accelerating the uptake of EETs across the global fleet?

Guy Platten: More than 50% of the world’s ships are built in China. China is a huge ship owning and shipbuilding nation. China getting on board with the zero-carbon future is critical because it will be producing the ships and it will play a big part in the new fuel mix going forward.

Do you see opportunities for greater collaboration with Chinese shipyards and owners in embedding efficiency solutions at scale? 

Guy Platten: Absolutely. This is really a meeting of minds between shipowners, shipbuilders, and technology providers. By working together, we can embed efficiency solutions at scale and deliver the best possible outcomes for the industry going forward.

What will success look like for you and your new role at Silverstream over the next few years?

Guy Platten: For me it will be playing a small part in helping the company grow and develop its products. 

Do you see Silverstream as a company that can help set standards for energy efficiency and shipping?

Guy Platten: I think Silverstream's air lubrication technology speaks for itself. It's proven. It's on over 150 ships. It saves fuel. The company is also innovating and these developments along with its existing products will help lead the way forward in terms of decarbonisation and energy savings. The company will set standards as it matures and further develops its technology.

Finally, what excites you most about working with Noah Silberschmidt and the Silverstream team as the company matures into this next phase? 

Guy Platten: What excites me most is the people. Personal relationships have always been incredibly important to me throughout my career, and it's essential to enjoy working with those around you. I have great respect for Noah and the entire Silverstream team — they're passionate, professional, and a real pleasure to work with.

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