bound4blue has recently showcased the value of its eSAIL® wind propulsion technology with a report assessing significant fuel savings aboard the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) vessel, Ville de Bordeaux. This ro-ro ship, chartered by Airbus, has been equipped with three 22-meter suction sails, which were installed in 2024. The assessment revealed an impressive average daily fuel saving of 1.7 metric tons, with peak savings reaching as high as 5.4 metric tons.
These results align with bound4blue’s initial expectations and the data obtained by LDA through its own measurement methods. The findings were based on real-time fuel consumption statistics and actual weather conditions, yielding a high level of accuracy. Notably, these savings were accomplished without leveraging weather routing and did not factor in the regulatory advantages of wind propulsion.
The eSAIL® technology delivers remarkable lift, producing more propulsion per square meter compared to traditional rigid sails. This efficiency means that eSAILs® can achieve similar savings while occupying six to seven times less space on the deck, facilitating easier installation and lighter overall vessel weight. The sails are adaptable to various wind conditions, making them suitable for numerous shipping routes and ideal for high-speed vessels.
David Ferrer, CTO of bound4blue, expressed excitement over the compelling results from the Ville de Bordeaux, stating these savings reflect the potential of retrofitting existing ships with wind propulsion technology. As awareness of eSAIL®’s effectiveness grows, more ships are being outfitted with these systems, allowing for greater sustainability in maritime operations. Moreover, the adoption of eSAILs® heralds regulatory advantages, with the technology helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus enhancing compliance with emerging laws such as the FuelEU Maritime regulation and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
Comments from LDA’s Transport & Logistics Managing Director underscored the importance of these real-world results in promoting more sustainable practices within the industry. As the technology continues to evolve, the prospects for further fuel savings and emissions reductions are promising.