- Lloyd’s Register (LR) has validated bound4blue’s calculation methodology, giving shipowners a credible way to quantify the regulatory and financial benefits of wind propulsion.
- The methodology allows Pwind values to be determined without full-scale testing, cutting costs and accelerating wind-assist projects.
- The first vessel to benefit is the M.V. Atlantic Orchard, equipped with four eSAILs® under charter with Louis Dreyfus Company.
Lloyd’s Register has officially validated bound4blue’s ‘wind propulsion system force matrix calculation methodology’, enabling shipowners to calculate the Pwind value of installations in a transparent and compliant way. Pwind represents the propulsive power delivered by a wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS), which can be factored into regulatory frameworks such as the EEXI, EEDI, and FuelEU Maritime rules.
Regulatory and Environmental Benefits
Under IMO MEPC.1/Circ.896, Pwind can be deducted from engine power in EEXI/EEDI calculations and contributes to the Wind Reward Factor under FuelEU Maritime. This lowers greenhouse gas compliance costs while supporting decarbonization. With LR’s validation, shipowners gain a reliable method to prove performance and claim the associated regulatory credits.
Force Matrix Requirements
The methodology creates a force matrix, mapping WAPS thrust under varying wind conditions. This must be installation-specific, factoring in sail-to-sail and ship-to-sail aerodynamic interactions, and independently validated. LR confirmed that bound4blue’s approach — combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling with wind tunnel testing — meets IMO requirements.
Cost and Time Savings for Shipowners
With LR’s validation, shipowners no longer need expensive full-scale trials to verify Pwind. Instead, the CFD-based process can quickly deliver compliant results, reducing project costs and timelines. This approach will now be applied to upcoming eSAIL® projects, simplifying adoption for operators.
First Application: M.V. Atlantic Orchard
The M.V. Atlantic Orchard, a juice carrier operated by Wisby Tankers and chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), is the first vessel to benefit from this validated process. Equipped with four eSAILs®, it demonstrates how wind propulsion can be integrated into commercial operations with regulatory confidence.
Industry Endorsements
Alberto Llopis, Head of Aerodynamics at bound4blue, highlighted that LR’s validation gives shipowners confidence to embrace wind propulsion, ensuring compliance while unlocking significant financial savings.
Dr. Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, LR Advisory Ship Performance Manager, emphasized the importance of independent validation to support the safe, effective adoption of breakthrough technologies in line with global decarbonization goals.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
