Marflet Marine First Spanish Merchant Fleet Shipowner To Adopt Wind With Bound4blue Tanker Contract

Marflet Marine, one of Spain’s oldest private shipping companies, has signed a contract with bound4blue to install four 22-meter eSAILs® on their 49,999 DWT oil and chemical tanker, Santiago I. This installation is part of Marflet’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions, aiming to cut down on conventional fuel use and operating costs, while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Significant Fuel Savings

The Santiago I, which operates globally, will be equipped with four ‘model 2’ turnkey eSAIL® units. Spanish engineering firm Cotenaval will handle the design of the sail foundations and electrical installation. The ease of installation was a major factor for Marflet, as it minimizes additional engineering work and reduces downtime compared to other emission reduction technologies.

Based on detailed modeling, the Santiago I is expected to save between 10% and 15% of its annual energy consumption by reducing the load on the main engine, depending on the vessel’s route and operations.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

“This contract shows our commitment to finding innovative ways to improve operational sustainability,” said Juan Cremades, Fleet Manager at Marflet. “With bound4blue’s eSAILs®, Santiago I can optimize fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions, benefiting all our stakeholders. We see tremendous potential in wind power and are excited to be pioneers in the Spanish merchant market with this breakthrough solution.”

In addition to the eSAILs®, Marflet plans to further reduce underwater radiated noise and enhance efficiency and safety through advanced weather route analysis.

Versatile Technology

bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology is versatile, suitable for both new ships and retrofitting on a wide range of vessels, including tankers, bulkers, Ro-Ros, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. eSAILs® help ships comply with current and upcoming regulations, improve CII ratings, boost EEDI and EEXI scores, comply with FuelEU Maritime requirements, and contribute to saved allowances within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Autonomous Efficiency

Set for mid-2025 installation, this contract makes Marflet the first Spanish merchant fleet owner to adopt a Wind-Assisted Propulsion (WAP) system. The eSAIL® system generates propulsive efficiency by drawing air across an aerodynamic surface, requiring no operational input from the crew. It is simple, robust, and highly efficient.

A Step Towards Sustainable Shipping

“This is a major contract for us,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO of bound4blue. “Not only is Marflet the first Spanish shipowner to join the wind revolution, but this contract also strengthens our presence in the tanker segment. Having Marflet on board is a source of pride, showing that more shipowners are recognizing wind power’s potential as a decarbonizing force in the industry.”

“The wind revolution is now,” Bermúdez added. “As regulations tighten and stakeholders demand environmental action, solutions like our eSAILs® allow shipowners to harness a clean, natural power source while enjoying significant commercial benefits.”

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