bound4blue secures major wind propulsion retrofit contract with Maersk Tankers

bound4blue has consolidated its position at the forefront of shipping’s revolution with a landmark contract with Maersk Tankers. The agreement is the largest wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) agreement for bound4blue to date, with 20 of the company’s type approved eSAIL® suction sails to be installed on five MR tankers in 2025 and 2026.

Turnkey efficiency

Maersk Tankers identified the eSAIL® as a solution of choice in partnership with green technology catalyst Njord, who assessed and evaluated a broad range wind-assisted propulsion systems to ensure optimal environmental and commercial impact on the target project vessels and their expected future trading.

The autonomous eSAILs® work by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate lift and exceptional propulsive efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, OPEX and emissions.

Four of the turnkey units will be installed on the Maersk Tankers vessels - The Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo - and are expected to deliver double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel.

Proven performance

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue, describes the order as a “key milestone”, adding: “The trust Maersk Tankers has placed in our technology reinforces the proven capabilities of our solution in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while contributing to CII and FuelEU regulatory compliance.

“Designed to operate safely in challenging conditions, our system is particularly well-suited for safe, high performing and cost-efficient operation on tankers. We’re excited to work alongside Maersk Tankers as they progress in their decarbonization efforts.”

Accelerating adoption

The contract marks another high point in a successful year for bound4blue, joining fresh orders from high-profile owners and operators such as Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Marflet Marine, Amasus, and Louis Dreyfus Company, amongst others.