First ever cargo vessel with wind assisted propulsion at SMM with bound4blue

This year’s SMM will be the first major maritime event to host a vessel featuring an advanced Wind Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS), with the 2,850 dwt Eems Traveller sailing in to dock at Überseebrücke, Hamburg, for the 3^rd and 4^th September.

The Dutch-flagged, Amasus-owned general cargo ship will showcase its two, 17-meter-high eSAILs® (suction sails) from bound4blue, demonstrating how wind can help an industry in transition to cut costs, emissions, and comply with increasingly stringent regulations. The turnkey solution was installed in two easy phases, with the sail foundations fitted during a scheduled vessel stop in the Netherlands for a five-year class renewal survey, before the sails themselves were installed – in just four hours – at the Port of Bilbao.

Clean advantage

bound4blue’s autonomous eSAIL® technology is robust, simple and market proven. It works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, with zero operational input from crew. This dramatically reduces fuel use, OPEX and emissions to air.

The reality of these efficiencies will be revealed to stakeholders at SMM, with bound4blue sharing operational test data onboard the Eems Traveller. This will also give visitors the opportunity to see the technology, and learn about its operation, up close.

Perfect timing

“Eems Traveller is a landmark vessel,” comments David Ferrer, co-founder and CTO, bound4blue. “The twin sails installed in July 2023 were, at the time, the largest ever suction sails seen in maritime. Operations to date have delivered a wealth of in-depth data to demonstrate their tangible environmental impact. We look forward to sharing our findings at SMM. In addition to our own testing and validation, Lloyd’s Register has now also been tasked with conducting a third-party evaluation to verify achieved performance and savings.”

Ferrer continues: “We’re indebted to Amasus, and the sustainability focus of Port of Hamburg, for the opportunity to showcase the power of wind with more than just words – giving the industry a chance to experience the technology and learn about its transformative effect. Given the impact of regulations such as EU ETS, CII and the upcoming FuelEU Maritime move, I can’t think of a better time to push wind power up the shipping agenda.”

bound4blue and Amasus will utilise the vessel as a platform for press conferences, visits, and general engagement with shipowners, class societies and other leading decision makers over the course of its two-day visit. Representatives from both the technology supplier and the ship’s crew will be on hand to answer questions and discuss how to harness the power of a free, available and completely renewable energy source.

A special event on Tuesday afternoon will see all three bound4blue co-founders in attendance, sharing insights and developments with partners and key industry contacts.

Enabling the future

A statement from Amasus notes: “The industry is continually discussing which pathway offers the best route to decarbonisation. Here at Amasus we believe there is no one course, but rather a range of routes to travel upon, combining breakthrough and emerging technologies to make positive impacts today.

“In this regard, we see wind as a key enabler for a greener shipping future. Eems Traveller is a manifestation of that belief, showing how owners can partner with trusted suppliers to deliver meaningful gains – and not just from environmental and regulatory perspectives, but also commercially. We look forward to joining with bound4blue to share those insights at SMM.”

Preferred partners

In addition to the operational impact and broader potential of wind, bound4blue will also use the press events to reveal further development news. This follows on the heels of a range of contracts and installations that are consolidating the company’s position at the vanguard of the wind revolution.

Recent eSAIL® agreements have been reached with major names such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company and Odfjell, with installations scheduled in the coming months.

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.