Bound4blue has completed the installation of the world’s largest suction sails, marking a significant milestone in maritime sustainability. Four 26-meter high eSAILs have been fitted to the MV Atlantic Orchard, a vessel chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers AB, a Swedish company. The installation was carried out during the vessel’s planned 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain, ensuring both efficiency and seamless integration.
The installation of the four eSAILs was completed in less than a day per unit, as scheduled. The MV Atlantic Orchard, a specialized juice carrier built in 2014, was originally a dry bulk vessel before being converted in 2020. With the new sails, the ship will now benefit from simplified compliance with the FuelEU Maritime regulations, taking advantage of the Wind Reward Factor. This change is expected to bring further benefits, including improved CII, EU ETS compliance, and additional regulatory advantages.
Fuel and emission savings are expected to reach around 10%, depending on the vessel’s trading routes. This significant reduction in fuel consumption will not only help the ship reduce its environmental footprint but also unlock commercial advantages. The installation of the eSAILs is the third for bound4blue this year, demonstrating the company’s ability to scale its technology and manage deployment effectively.
The installation of the DNV Type Approved suction sails is part of a wider trend, with bound4blue fitting its technology on various vessel types, including MR tankers, general cargo ships, and ro-ro vessels. José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, emphasized the simplicity and versatility of Wind Propulsion Systems (WPS) in meeting the needs of an evolving shipping industry.
“Greener Operations”
Bermúdez highlighted that eSAILs offer an easy, proven, and economically viable solution for making operations greener, benefiting a variety of shipping sectors, including specialized vessels like juice carriers. He explained that the eSAIL units were positioned where four deck cranes were previously located, and all necessary work—including electrical and structural modifications, sail preparation, and full unit programming—was completed in a single coordinated yard visit.
“We are excited to partner with companies like LDC and Wisby Tankers to accelerate the wind propulsion revolution in shipping,” said Bermúdez. “Our simple and effective technology will help achieve significant fuel and emissions savings.”
The decision to equip the MV Atlantic Orchard with WPS came after a comprehensive review by LDC’s shipping decarbonization team, which assessed various emissions-reducing technologies. After careful consideration, Lloyd’s Register provided an independent evaluation, and in late 2023, bound4blue’s fully autonomous system was selected for the installation.
Sébastien Landerretche, LDC’s global head of freight, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “This marks an important milestone in our journey towards a low-carbon maritime industry,” he said. “We are thrilled to begin this partnership with bound4blue and Wisby Tankers, and we look forward to sharing our insights as we complete our first voyage to Brazil and return to Europe.”
Bound4blue’s eSAILs have a typical payback period of less than five years, making them an attractive option for both new builds and retrofitting on a wide range of vessels. This includes tankers, bulk carriers, ro-ro ships, cruise vessels, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. Recent orders for the eSAIL technology have been placed by leading shipping companies, including Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine, Eastern Pacific Shipping, and Klaveness Combination Carriers.
