Maersk to equip five tankers with bound4Blue’s wind-assisted eSAIL
COPENHAGEN : Maersk Tankers has placed an order for bound4Blue’s wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) to power its five vessels. The agreement marks bound4blue‘s largest WAPS deal to date, involving the installation of 20 type-approved eSAIL suction sails on five MR tankers during dry dock periods in 2025 and 2026. Maersk Tankers introduced WAPS to its fleet in 2018 with the installation of rotor sails on the Maersk Pelican.
.Five medium range product carriers will each have four of bound4blue’s 26-metre model 2 eSails installed, with expectations of double-digit reductions in fuel consumption. Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo, a series of ships built in 2015 and 2016, will have the sails installed in 2025 and 2026.
Maersk Tankers chose bound4blue’s suction sail system after an assessment of wind power solutions carried out with green technology catalyst Njord. The assessment looked for optimal environmental and commercial impact considering the vessels’ physical properties and expected trading routes.
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.”
bound4blue told journalists in London last month that signing contracts with well-regarded leading shipowners was important to the company, as other shipping companies and charterers take note of and may be inclined to follow the actions of such high-profile brands.
“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,” said Bermúdez.
In 2024, bound4blue has secured orders from Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Marflet Marine, Amasus, and Louis Dreyfus Company, among others.