The SMM 2024 in Hamburg is set to make history as the first major maritime event to feature a cargo vessel equipped with an advanced Wind Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS). The vessel in question, the Eems Traveller, owned by Amasus, will be docked at the Überseebrücke on September 3-4, showcasing the cutting-edge eSAIL® technology developed by bound4blue.
Innovative Wind Propulsion Technology
The Eems Traveller, a 2,850 dwt general cargo ship flying the Dutch flag, is equipped with two 17-meter-high suction sails from bound4blue. These sails were installed in a streamlined process, first with the sail foundations fitted during a scheduled class renewal survey in the Netherlands, followed by the installation of the sails themselves in just four hours at the Port of Bilbao. This turnkey solution offers significant advantages in reducing fuel consumption, operational expenses, and emissions.
Operational Impact and Industry Implications
At SMM, stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore the operational data and firsthand experiences from the Eems Traveller. The autonomous eSAIL® technology is designed to be robust, simple, and highly efficient, requiring no manual input from the crew while significantly improving the vessel’s propulsion. This technology is poised to make a substantial impact as the maritime industry navigates increasingly stringent regulations.
Bound4blue’s Perspective on Wind Power
David Ferrer, co-founder and CTO of bound4blue, describes the Eems Traveller as a landmark vessel, noting that its twin sails were the largest suction sails ever installed in the maritime sector at the time of their installation in July 2023. The operational data collected so far has provided valuable insights into the environmental benefits of wind propulsion, which will be shared with industry stakeholders at SMM. Additionally, Lloyd’s Register is conducting a third-party evaluation to further verify the performance and savings achieved by the eSAIL® system.
Industry Engagement and Future Prospects
Bound4blue and Amasus plan to use the Eems Traveller as a platform for press conferences, shipowner visits, and engagement with class societies and other decision-makers over the two-day event. Representatives from both companies and the ship’s crew will be available to discuss the technology’s potential and answer questions. A special event will feature all three bound4blue co-founders, who will share insights and updates with industry partners.
Amasus’ Vision for a Greener Shipping Future
Amasus has expressed its commitment to exploring various pathways to decarbonization, emphasizing that no single solution will suffice. The Eems Traveller exemplifies this approach, demonstrating how wind propulsion can contribute to a greener future for shipping, with benefits extending beyond environmental and regulatory considerations to include commercial advantages as well.
Bound4blue’s Expanding Influence
In addition to the operational showcase, bound4blue will unveil further developments in their wind propulsion technology at SMM. The company has recently secured agreements with prominent maritime names like Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Odfjell, with upcoming installations planned across various vessel types. The versatility of the eSAIL® system, suitable for both new builds and retrofits, is further solidifying bound4blue’s position at the forefront of the wind propulsion revolution.
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Source: bound4blue
