bound4blue has successfully installed a 22-metre eSAIL® on the Na Hiro E Pae, marking the world’s first adoption of a Wind Propulsion System on a multipurpose vessel. Now operating a vital route between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, the ship integrates the autonomous suction sail with a broader green technology suite to reduce energy consumption by an estimated 10%. This groundbreaking deployment not only modernizes crucial regional cargo and passenger transport but also demonstrates the viability of wind-assisted propulsion in complex maritime operations.
Barcelona, Spain | August 4, 2026 – Wind propulsion specialist bound4blue has announced the successful completion and installation of a 22-metre-high eSAIL® onboard the pioneering newbuild multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae.
Executed at the Astilleros Armon Vigo shipyard in Spain ahead of delivery, the milestone marks a major leap forward for vessel owner Société de Navigation des Australes SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company, while setting a global precedent for wind-assisted ship propulsion in the multipurpose vessel sector.
Bridging Maritime Heritage and Modern Decarbonisation
In French Polynesia, local multipurpose cargo vessels are affectionately known as “goelettes”, a direct homage to the historical schooners that once relied entirely on canvas sails to supply remote island communities. With the deployment of bound4blue’s suction sail technology, Na Hiro E Pae becomes the first known multipurpose vessel worldwide to adopt a Wind Propulsion System (WPS), officially uniting centuries-old maritime heritage with 21st-century green engineering.
The vessel has now entered service, functioning as a vital maritime lifeline between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands. It transports a crucial mix of passengers, food supplies, and general cargo, supporting the socio-economic framework of the South Pacific archipelago.
A Comprehensive ‘Green Technology Mix’
Designed by Cotenaval, Na Hiro E Pae delivers an impressive balance of passenger comfort and heavy cargo efficiency:
- Passenger Capacity: Space for up to 200 passengers, serving as an affordable transport link for local families, students, and workers.
- Cargo Operations: Rapid loading and unloading capabilities for up to 1,500 tonnes of vital supplies.
- Propulsion & Sustainability: The ship’s single 22-metre eSAIL® produces up to seven times the propulsive force of a standard rigid sail of equivalent size.
The suction sail seamlessly integrates into an advanced green technology matrix. This suite includes marine engines capable of running on biofuels or e-fuels, electric POD propulsion, efficient on-board waste management systems, and complete autonomy in fresh water generation.
“Multipurpose vessels have traditionally been seen as a challenging segment for wind power, due to the required flexibility of operations and related integration demands,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue. “This project demonstrates how systems suppliers, naval architects, shipowners and other key stakeholders can solve such issues, collaborating closely to empower progress.”
Projected Performance and Regional Impact
bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology is expected to slash the vessel’s overall energy consumption by approximately 10%, directly boosting its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings.
The newbuild is a centerpiece of a broader governmental modernization drive for maritime links serving the Austral Islands. The project previously secured critical backing through the French Polynesian Government’s Appel à Manifestation d’Intérêt initiative, which rewards innovations that bolster regional connectivity while accelerating environmental compliance.
Boris Piel, Technical Director at SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company, noted “The completion of this installation brings us one step closer to welcoming a new generation of vessel into service for the people of the Austral Islands. Sustainability was a key objective throughout the design process, and the eSAIL® forms an important part of a wider package of technologies that will help us reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, while maintaining the reliable transport services our communities depend upon.”
Rapid Commercial Momentum for bound4blue
This latest deployment adds to an expanding portfolio for bound4blue. The company has now successfully deployed its eSAIL® systems across 12 ships, with an additional 6 vessels secured in its order book, representing a cumulative total of more than 50 eSAILs®.
Operating as fully autonomous, non-ATEX units, the suction sails significantly ease main engine loads, cut fuel burn by double-digit percentages, and drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions, delivering immediate regulatory compliance and financial returns for shipowners across the globe.
About bound4blue
bound4blue has successfully installed a 22-metre eSAIL® on the Na Hiro E Pae, marking the world’s first adoption of a Wind Propulsion System on a multipurpose vessel. Now operating a vital route between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, the ship integrates the autonomous suction sail with a broader green technology suite to reduce energy consumption by an estimated 10%. This groundbreaking deployment not only modernizes crucial regional cargo and passenger transport but also demonstrates the viability of wind-assisted propulsion in complex maritime operations.
Source: bound4blue