EPS Enhances Fleet with Innovative eSAILs® Technology
Bound4blue and Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) have successfully completed the installation of three eSAILs® units on the new MR tanker, Pacific Sunstone, at New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, China. This marks EPS’s first newbuild equipped with the advanced suction-based wind-assistance technology, following a successful retrofit on the Pacific Sentinel. The integration of this technology is set to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs for the shipping company.
Seamless Integration of Advanced Technology
The installation of the eSAILs® system on the Pacific Sunstone was designed to fit seamlessly into the vessel’s construction process. This innovative system boasts a compact design and generates lift up to seven times greater than traditional rigid sails of similar size. Notably, the eSAILs® do not require tilting mechanisms, which means they do not impact the vessel’s operational airdraft. Additionally, they are classified as non-ATEX, significantly lowering both installation and operational costs.
Eastern Pacific Shipping makes first wind propulsion move with bound4blue eSAILs®
The project builds on the successful results from the retrofit of the Pacific Sentinel, where a six-month performance assessment revealed an average net power reduction of 8% and fuel savings of 5.5%. In optimal wind conditions, the performance peaks exceeded 20%, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness even in less favorable weather. For the Pacific Sunstone, all necessary foundations and electrical systems were integrated during construction, allowing for a streamlined plug-and-play installation of the Spanish-built sails.
Cost Efficiency and Environmental Compliance
Now operational, the three eSAILs® on the Pacific Sunstone are expected to significantly reduce main-engine loads and operating costs, with a typical payback period of under five years. This advancement supports EPS’s commitment to environmental compliance, aligning with frameworks such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and the FuelEU Maritime initiative through the Wind Reward Factor.
As the shipping industry increasingly seeks sustainable solutions, the successful implementation of the eSAILs® technology positions EPS at the forefront of maritime innovation, paving the way for a greener future in shipping.
