bound4blue has successfully installed its eSAIL suction sails on the tanker Pacific Sentinel. The installation, completed in a single, efficient process, was carried out at Besiktas Shipyard in Turkey during the vessel’s scheduled drydocking for Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), reports bound4blue.
Milestones Unlocked
The installation of wind-assisted propulsion on an EPS tanker marks several milestones: it’s EPS’s first venture into wind power and bound4blue’s first tanker installation. The process was a fast-track, “single-stop” operation, minimizing vessel downtime by completing all work during scheduled maintenance.
The installation involved simultaneous groundwork on the vessel and preparation of the eSAIL, streamlining the process. David Ferrer, Co-founder and CTO of bound4blue, emphasized their commitment to providing efficient and cost-effective wind power solutions. He highlighted the collaboration with various stakeholders, which enabled a quick and robust deployment. Preparation of the vessel and sails allowed for a seamless installation within the vessel’s planned shipyard stay.
Multiple Advantages
Ferrer further explained that the eSAIL technology offers additional benefits, particularly for tankers, by simplifying the installation process and enhancing efficiency.
- Simplicity and Efficiency:
- The eSAIL design allows for non-EX-proof units, simplifying installation and reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX).
- The high performance of the sails enables significant fuel savings without requiring excessively large sails or tilting mechanisms, ensuring compatibility with the vessel’s existing air draft.
- Addressing Tanker Challenges:
- The eSAIL is an ideal solution for MR tankers, which present unique challenges related to ATEX zones and air draft limitations.
- Ferrer believes that the eSAIL provides an “easy” way for demanding shipping segments to access the commercial, regulatory, and environmental advantages of wind power.
Sustainable Partnerships
bound4blue has now installed its eSAIL technology on five vessels and has a growing order book. EPS, having completed the installation on the Pacific Sentinel, has further expanded its partnership with bound4blue. A new agreement was signed in December 2024 for the installation of three eSAILs on another MR tanker currently under construction in China, with the installation scheduled for late 2025.
Mirtcho Spassov, Decarbonisation Manager at EPS, highlighted the company’s commitment to emissions reduction through innovative green technologies like wind-assisted propulsion. He praised bound4blue as a valuable partner, citing their proven technology and solutions-oriented approach. He expressed satisfaction with the successful installation and reiterated their commitment to decarbonization through wind propulsion, looking forward to the next installation.
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Source: bound4blue
