Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has contracted bound4blue, an automated wind-assisted propulsion systems developer, for the supply of three 22m high eSAIL suction sails for installation on a newbuild medium range (MR) tanker.
The vessel is scheduled to be constructed by New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, China, with the installation set for late 2025.
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The contract follows a previous collaboration between EPS and bound4blue undertaken earlier in the year, which saw the 50,000dwt Pacific Sentinel vessel retrofitted with three eSAILs.
EPS decarbonisation manager Mirtcho Spassov said: “We’re excited to be working alongside bound4blue and New Times Shipbuilding to install our first wind-assisted propulsion system on a newbuild vessel.
“This project represents a significant milestone in our decarbonisation journey and lays the foundation for wider adoption of WAPS technology across our fleet.”
The eSAIL technology is a wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) designed to offer flexibility for implementation on various vessel types, making it suitable for both newbuilds and retrofits.
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By GlobalDataThis adaptability is beneficial for a range of ships including tankers, bulkers, Ro-Ros, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels.
The system operates by generating propulsive force through aerodynamic drag, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing operational expenses and cutting emissions.
The eSAIL technology received the Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from DNV in September, validating its compliance with the classification society’s WAPS technical standard.
The technology is expected to contribute to EPS’ broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions, which also encompass dual-fuel vessels, biofuels, voyage optimisation systems, and carbon capture technologies.
bound4blue chief commercial officer Daniel Mann said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating once again with EPS, one of the leaders at the forefront of the shipping industry’s green transformation.
“These systems offer a proven, mechanically simple solution to reduce emissions, cut costs, and meet regulatory requirements such as FuelEU Maritime, CII, and EU ETS. We are thrilled to support EPS in achieving its ambitious sustainability goals.”
bound4blue has implemented the eSAIL system on four vessels. It has also signed agreements with various shipowners to equip their fleets with the system, including Maersk Tankers, Klaveness Combination Carriers, Amasus, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Marflet, Louis Dreyfus Company, Marubeni Corporation, Odfjell, and SNA TUHA’A PAE.
