Laskaridis Shipping Partners with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas for Innovative Sail Technology
Laskaridis Shipping has entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas Marne & Offshore to explore the integration of eSAILs® across its fleet. The agreement was formalized on March 18 at Laskaridis Shipping’s headquarters in Athens, with representatives from all involved organizations present. This collaboration aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating bound4blue’s suction sails, a technology designed to enhance vessel performance through wind propulsion.
The suction sails operate by utilizing an aerodynamically optimized surface to draw air, generating significant lift. This innovative technology is applicable for both retrofitting existing vessels and for new builds, making it versatile across various maritime segments. The class type-approved technology has gained traction among leading global shipowners, establishing itself as a preferred choice in the industry.
Objectives and Benefits of the Joint Development Project
The primary goal of the JDP is to create a transparent and technically sound process for evaluating the integration of eSAILs® on Laskaridis Shipping’s vessels. Mrs. Catherine Prifti DPA, HSQE Director of Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd., expressed pride in pioneering the installation of suction sails on the MV POLYDEFKIS. She emphasized that this initiative aligns with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, aiming to achieve measurable improvements in vessel efficiency. The integration of the Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) technology, particularly the suction sails, is anticipated to significantly enhance operational performance.
The MV POLYDEFKIS is equipped with advanced telemetry systems and has received Bureau Veritas’ ‘SMART’ class notation, ensuring the collection of precise and reliable performance data. Bureau Veritas will independently validate the operational performance improvements, adding credibility to the project.
The JDP framework will evaluate critical aspects such as installation requirements, onboard integration, operational needs, and independent performance validation. This collaborative approach will allow the parties to assess both the technical feasibility and economic viability of the eSAILs® solution, paving the way for informed decision-making regarding potential deployment across Laskaridis Shipping’s fleet.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Henning Steffen, Sales Director Europe at bound4blue, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Laskaridis Shipping and Bureau Veritas to define the integration of suction sails across the fleet. He highlighted that wind propulsion is a practical method for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, underscoring the importance of this initiative in the maritime industry’s shift towards sustainability.
Mr. Costas Hassiotis, CEO of OCEANKING, which facilitated the collaboration, noted the significance of this partnership as a pioneering effort in Greece. He stated that the JDP aims to enhance the credibility of operational performance and bolster confidence in WASP technology. The collaboration exemplifies how synergies among technology providers, shipowners, and classification societies can drive sustainable solutions, such as eSAILs®, that contribute to improved efficiency and support decarbonization objectives in the maritime sector.
