Spanish-based wind technology leader bound4blue has successfully completed the installation of its innovative eSAIL® wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) on the Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) tanker Pacific Sentinel. The installation, which took place during a planned drydock at Besiktas Shipyard in Turkey, saw the addition of three 22-meter-high eSAILs®, marking a significant milestone in EPS’s ambitious decarbonization strategy.
The eSAIL® system, consisting of fully autonomous suction sails, was installed efficiently in under a day per unit, as planned. This swift installation process was made possible by a carefully coordinated “single-stop” approach, which minimized vessel downtime by combining essential preparatory work with the installation process. The installation procedure included fitting pedestals for the eSAILs® and welding, with the simultaneous preparation and programming of the sails.
Significant Steps Toward Decarbonization
This marks EPS’s first venture into wind-assisted propulsion, in line with its ongoing commitment to reducing emissions across its fleet. The installation is also bound4blue’s first on a tanker, showcasing the versatility of the eSAIL® system in the maritime sector. The technology is designed to reduce the vessel’s overall energy consumption, with forecasted savings of around 10%, depending on the vessel’s routing. This translates to lower operational expenses (OPEX) and reduced air emissions, supporting EPS’s environmental objectives and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent maritime regulations.
Simplicity and Cost-Efficiency
The eSAIL® system’s design offers several advantages, including its simple and cost-effective installation, which is particularly advantageous for vessels with complex requirements. For example, the Pacific Sentinel, being a Medium-Range (MR) tanker, posed unique challenges related to ATEX zones (explosion risk areas) and air draft limitations. However, the eSAIL® system’s non-EX-proof units simplify the installation process, reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and maintaining compatibility with the vessel’s existing air draft.
David Ferrer, Co-founder and CTO of bound4blue, commented on the project, highlighting the system’s simplicity and efficiency: “The eSAIL® system provides a streamlined solution for challenging vessel types, offering high performance and significant fuel savings without the need for oversized sails or complex mechanisms. We believe it’s the ideal solution for many vessels, especially in demanding shipping segments.”
Regulatory Compliance and Certification
The installation was completed with the guidance of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ensuring that the eSAIL® system meets classification and safety standards. The ABS granted the ‘wind-assisted’ notation for the vessel, which was key to the structural integration of the eSAILs® and ensured compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and FuelEU Maritime.
Expanding Sustainable Partnerships
This installation marks another milestone in the growing partnership between bound4blue and EPS. In December 2024, EPS extended its collaboration with bound4blue, signing a new agreement to install three eSAILs® on an MR tanker currently under construction at New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, China. This installation is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Mirtcho Spassov, Decarbonisation Manager at EPS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are committed to reducing emissions across our fleet by embracing cutting-edge green technologies, including wind-assisted propulsion. This successful installation is a testament to our collaboration with bound4blue, and we look forward to further installations in support of our decarbonization goals.”
Progressing Wind Propulsion for Global Shipping
The eSAIL® units work by generating propulsive efficiency by harnessing the power of wind, making them suitable for a wide range of vessels, including tankers, bulkers, ro-ro vessels, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo ships. With a typical payback period of less than five years, the technology offers a cost-effective way for shipowners to achieve regulatory compliance and benefit from the environmental and commercial advantages of wind power.
This successful collaboration between bound4blue and EPS is a significant step forward in the integration of wind-assisted propulsion in the maritime industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-efficient future for shipping.
About Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS)
With over 60 years of history, Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) is a leading shipping company based in Singapore. EPS operates a fleet of over 300 vessels, covering a diverse range of sectors including containerships, dry bulk, gas carriers, and tankers. EPS is committed to the green and technology-driven growth of the maritime industry and continues to innovate to meet its decarbonization goals.
About bound4blue
Founded in 2014, bound4blue is a pioneering developer of automated wind-assisted propulsion systems. The company’s eSAIL® system is designed to help shipping companies reduce fuel costs and emissions with minimal maintenance and easy installation. The eSAIL® system is suitable for various vessel types, regardless of their size or age, and has already been successfully installed on multiple ships. bound4blue is headquartered in Cantabria, Spain, with additional offices in Barcelona and Singapore.
Source bound4blue