Maersk Tankers Launches Wind-Powered Innovation
In a significant advancement for maritime sustainability, bound4blue and Maersk Tankers have successfully installed eSAIL® units on the Maersk Trieste. This milestone marks the first phase of a larger agreement to equip five medium-range tankers with a total of 20 innovative suction sails. The collaboration, which began with a contract signed in December 2024, represents bound4blue’s largest order to date and underscores the industry’s shift towards greener technologies.
Revolutionizing Maritime Propulsion
Bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology utilizes autonomous suction sails that harness wind power to enhance vessel efficiency. These sails generate lift that can be up to seven times greater than traditional rigid sails of similar size. Tailored to meet the specific needs of individual vessels, the eSAILs® promise substantial reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, contributing to improved Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings. This innovative system also aligns with regulatory frameworks like FuelEU Maritime, offering potential cost benefits through the Wind Reward Factor and EEDI/EEXI compliance.
The installation process for the Maersk Trieste was meticulously planned to ensure efficiency and minimize downtime. After initial preparations at Yiu Lian Shipyard in Shenzhen, China, the vessel was transferred to EDR Shipyard in Belgium. There, the eSAIL units were seamlessly integrated into the ship’s existing systems through a straightforward ‘plug-and-play’ method. This design simplicity allows for easy integration into standard shipyard workflows, significantly reducing the time required for retrofitting.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, emphasized the importance of this technology for the tanker segment, stating that it was designed for maximum performance with minimal complexity. The eSAILs® enable tankers to utilize wind propulsion safely and effectively, without altering their operational profiles. This development reflects a growing recognition among leading shipowners of the benefits of sustainable maritime solutions.
Commitment to Sustainable Shipping
Claus Grønborg, Chief Investment Officer at Maersk Tankers, highlighted the necessity of tangible actions in reducing emissions within the tanker industry. He stated that the implementation of advanced energy-efficient technologies is crucial for achieving lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. By adopting Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems at scale, Maersk Tankers aims to enhance energy efficiency for its customers while ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations.
Bound4blue’s DNV Type Approved technology is designed for easy integration across various ship types, including tankers, bulk carriers, and ferries. The installation process is streamlined to accommodate individual vessel schedules, allowing for complete system installations in under a day when required.
The partnership between bound4blue and Maersk Tankers is part of a broader trend in the maritime industry, where wind propulsion is transitioning from a niche innovation to a mainstream strategy for decarbonization. With rising fuel costs and stricter regulations, the adoption of wind-assisted technologies is gaining momentum. Bermúdez concluded that this project is a testament to the readiness of wind propulsion to deliver significant environmental benefits, even for complex vessel types like tankers.
