Dutch shipping company Amasus has signed a fresh eSAIL contract with Spain’s Bound4blue. The installation will set a new benchmark as the largest suction sail system on a general cargo vessel.
Under the new agreement, a 22-metre unit will be retrofitted on a 90-metre, 3000-DWT vessel at Astander Shipyard in Santander, scheduled for mid-2025.
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Positive experience with Eems Traveller
Amasus sealed the deal with Bound4blue after assessing the impact of its first suction sails on Eems Traveller, which has been sailing with two 17-metre eSAILs since July 2023. The autonomous system, which works by dragging air across its aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, helps reduce vessel fuel use, OPEX and emissions to air, while also enhancing regulatory compliance.
A spokesperson for the Amasus team noted that the compelling nature of the benefits convinced the business to come back for more: ‘Amasus is committed to playing its part in the creation of a more efficient, responsible and sustainable shipping industry. And to achieve that we need to consider new ways of working and new technological solutions. The decision to install the eSAILs on the Eems Traveller was a tangible demonstration of that mindset and, we have to say, we’ve been thrilled by the results.’
He adds: ‘Third party validation of eSAIL performance on the vessel, by Lloyd’s Register, is now being finalised and the figures, when released, will speak for themselves. It goes to show both the commercial and environmental sense in choosing wind as part of our evolving energy mix, while the collaboration with bound4blue demonstrates the importance of choosing the right industry partner. We look forward to more positive developments in 2025 and beyond.’
Also read: Wind-assisted ship propulsion nears tipping point for rapid adoption
Gathering momentum
The new contract is further proof of the growing popularity of Bound4blue’s DNV type approved wind assisted ship propulsion (WASP) solution, which is market-proven, robust, mechanically simple, and requires zero operational input from crew.
Shipowners and operators that have signed contracts in the past year include Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Marflet Marine, and Louis Dreyfus Company, amongst others.
Also read: First installation of Bound4blue’s eSAILs on roro vessel
First follow-up contract
‘This latest contract is a landmark for us,’ comments José Miguel, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue. ‘It’s the first time we’ve secured a second agreement with a shipowner, showing how the technology meets all expectations as a proven, cost effective, simple and reliable enabler for greener, more profitable and compliant shipping operations. We believe the adoption curve is set for take-off.’
Bound4blue’s eSAILs are suitable for both newbuilds and retrofitting across the huge majority of vessel segments, including, but not limited to, tankers, bulkers, Ro-Ros, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. The technology helps shipping companies simplify compliance, and achieve advantage, with regulations including EU ETS (Emissions Trading System), CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) and the upcoming FuelEU legislation, while offering a typical payback of less than five years.
Picture: Amasus and bound4blue will install the world’s largest suction sail system on a general cargo vessel in 2025.
Also read: Louis Dreyfus contracts bound4blue for eSAILs on juice vessel
