bound4blue has achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing the world’s largest eSAIL® suction sails on the MV Atlantic Orchard, a juice carrier chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers AB of Sweden. This ambitious project saw the installation of four 26-meter high eSAILs® completed in a single planned stop during the vessel’s 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain, emphasizing efficiency in operations. The vessel, originally a dry bulk carrier before its conversion in 2020, will now benefit from enhanced FuelEU Maritime compliance by utilizing the Wind Reward Factor.
The integration of these sails is expected to yield fuel consumption and emission savings of approximately 10%, depending on trading routes, thus unlocking various commercial advantages. This installation marks bound4blue’s third project this year, demonstrating the company’s capacity to scale its technology effectively. The DNV Type Approved suction sails have already been fitted to various vessels, including MR Tankers and ro-ro vessels.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-founder of bound4blue, notes that this installation exemplifies the versatility of adopting advanced Wind Propulsion Systems (WPS) in a transitioning industry. Collaboration with LDC and Wisby Tankers has been pivotal. José Miguel expressed enthusiasm for their partnership, stating that eSAILs® provide a straightforward and economically viable route towards greener shipping operations.
The decision to implement WPS for MV Atlantic Orchard was made following a thorough evaluation of emissions-reducing technologies by LDC’s shipping decarbonization team, which culminated in selecting bound4blue’s system after an expert assessment by Lloyd’s Register. With a payback period of under five years, bound4blue eSAILs® are adaptable for new builds and retrofits across various vessel segments. Recent orders have been received from prominent shipping companies, highlighting a growing momentum towards sustainable maritime solutions.