Odfjell has had four of Bound4blue’s 22-metre eSAILs retrofitted on its 49,000-DWT chemical tanker Bow Olympus. It is the first installation of a wind propulsion system for the chemical tanker specialist.
A tailored two-step installation process was deployed to accommodate the vessel’s busy schedule. Firstly, sail pedestals were fitted during a planned drydocking, before the eSAILs were lifted into place at EDR Antwerp Shipyard. Due to the coordination among the three parties, the installation was efficiently completed in just two days.
Autonomous eSAILs
Bound4blue’s fully autonomous eSAILs, which generate propulsive efficiency by dragging air across an optimised aerodynamic profile, were selected by Odfjell following a deep-dive study of competing wind propulsion system solutions by research institute RISE (formerly SSPA).
The combination of the eSAIL’s performance, payback potential, environmental and regulatory benefits, combined with the ability to opt for non-ATEX units on a chemical tanker, were key considerations for the Norwegian owner.
Also read: EPS orders Bound4blue eSAILs for newbuild tanker
Non-ATEX units
‘Installing WPS on a vessel like this can be challenging due to ATEX [explosive atmospheres, Ed.] zones and air draught limitations,’ says David Ferrer, Co-founder and CTO of Bound4blue. ‘However, the mechanical simplicity of eSAILs offers a smooth solution, allowing for the installation of non-ATEX units, which helps reduce CAPEX and simplifies the installation process. Indeed, this is a key attraction for the tanker marker, as shown by the increasing number of projects from this crucial segment now populating our orderbook.’
Ferrer continues: ‘Furthermore, their high performance, generating six to seven times the propulsive lift of equivalently proportioned rigid sails in most common winds, allows us to minimise their size, eliminating the need for tilting systems.’
Also read: Bound4blue lands major Maersk wind retrofit deal
Gathering momentum
Odfjell now joins owners such as Amasus, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs with operational eSAILs, with major shipping companies such as Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine and Klaveness Combination Carriers filling up a growing orderbook.
Erik Hjortland, VP Technology at Odfjell: ‘Bound4blue’s suction sails have been chosen so we can determine the potential of wind propulsion in the continued work to reduce our emissions. It’ll be very interesting to start gathering and analysing data on the carbon and fuel savings the Bow Olympus can achieve with the suction sails. That data will be fundamental in informing further decisions, as we continue to improve the environmental performance of our existing vessels, while preparing for future newbuilds that will be with us into and beyond 2050.’
Also read: First installation of Bound4blue’s eSAILs on roro vessel
Regulatory rewards
As well as driving down emissions and fuel expenditure, wind propulsion systems provide powerful regulatory advantages for owners such as Odfjell. It is the only power source actively rewarded through FuelEU Maritime (Wind Reward Factor), while helping drive down emissions for EU ETS and positively impacting upon CII ratings, amongst other benefits.
Bound4blue eSAILs have a typical payback period of less than five years and are suitable for either newbuilds or retrofitting across a diverse array of vessel segments. This includes, but is not limited to, tankers, bulkers, RoRos, cruise ships, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels.
The project was funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101103465 from Innovation Fund programme.
Picture: The installation of four Bound4blue suction sails took just two days (photo by Bound4blue).
