bound4blue has delivered compelling evidence of the commercial viability of its eSAIL® wind propulsion technology, following the release of third-party assessed operational fuel savings on the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) owned Ro-Ro vessel, Ville de Bordeaux.
Exceptional Impact
The eSAILs technology is characterized by its ability to generate exceptional lift, producing greater propulsive force and achieving significantly higher savings per square meter compared to competing rigid sail technologies. This efficiency means that eSAILs® can provide equivalent fuel savings with six to seven times less surface area. This compact design allows for easier and more versatile installations, requiring less deck space, reducing overall weight, and simplifying retrofitting across a wide array of vessel types.
Furthermore, these sails are highly adaptable, performing effectively across diverse wind conditions and directions, from side winds to upwind scenarios. This versatility makes them a scalable solution for global shipping routes, particularly well-suited for vessels operating at higher speeds.
Harnessing Potential
David Ferrer, CTO of bound4blue, notes that the newly assessed results from the “Ville de Bordeaux” demonstrate the tangible impact of eSAILs® for an industry in transition. He expressed excitement about the vessel’s “significant daily savings, with really exciting peak numbers that demonstrate huge potential.”
These results are crucial as they show how existing vessels, not just newbuilds designed for energy efficiency and wind propulsion, can harness this clean, renewable, and accessible power source for transformative benefits. The “Ville de Bordeaux,” a specialized Ro-Ro vessel providing logistics solutions for the aeronautic industry, showcased the eSAILs®’ ability to generate lift even from shallow angles, leading to compelling day-in, day-out results. Ferrer extended gratitude to all partners for their support and collaboration on the project.
Regulatory Rewards
Awareness of eSAIL performance and flexibility is rapidly growing within the maritime industry. This is evident from recent installations on vessels owned by major players like Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping, and Louis Dreyfus Company. Significant orders have also been placed by Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine, and Klaveness Combination Carriers, among others.
A key driver for this increased uptake is the regulatory benefits provided by bound4blue’s suction sails. Beyond directly reducing fuel consumption, the technology delivers substantial savings related to compliance with environmental regulations. The lower fuel consumption directly translates to reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resulting in measurable benefits under the FuelEU Maritime regulation and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These regulatory savings can be significant, further strengthening the economic business case for adopting eSAILs.
FuelEU Maritime aims to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of energy used on board ships calling at EU ports, with progressive targets for reduction. The EU ETS includes maritime transport from 2024, requiring shipping companies to surrender allowances for their GHG emissions, with increasing percentages covered each year. By reducing emissions, eSAILs® directly contribute to meeting these stringent regulatory requirements and lowering associated compliance costs.
Real-World Results
Mathieu Muzeau, Transport & Logistics Managing Director at LDA (Louis Dreyfus Armateurs), commented on the real-world results from the “Ville de Bordeaux.” He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with bound4blue to determine the actual fuel and emissions savings, which are crucial for delivering more sustainable maritime services to their clients.
Muzeau highlighted the “hugely rewarding” scale of savings achieved through this early adoption. He also noted the “noteworthy” performance, including a boost to vessel speed, and praised the “complete simplicity of operation.” Looking ahead, LDA anticipates many more tonnes of saved fuel and reduced emissions in the coming years.
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Source: bound4blue
