Amasus signs fresh deal with bound4blue to fit ‘world’s largest suction sails’ onboard general cargo ship

Dutch shipping company Amasus has signed a fresh contract with Spain’s bound4blue to install a new suction sail system onboard its 90-meter vessel being built at Astander Shipyard in Santander.

Amasus sealed the deal with bound4blue after assessing the impact of its first suction sails on Eems Traveller, which has been sailing with two 17-meter wind propulsion systems eSAILs since July 2023.

The autonomous system, which works by dragging air across its aerodynamic surface to generate propulsive efficiency, helps reduce vessel fuel use, OPEX and emissions to air, while also enhancing regulatory compliance, according to bound4blue.

The company highlighted that “the installation will set a new benchmark as the largest suction sail system on a general cargo vessel”. The ship is slated for delivery in mid-2025.

“Amasus is committed to playing its part in the creation of a more efficient, responsible and sustainable shipping industry. And to achieve that we need to consider new ways of working and new technological solutions. The decision to install the eSAILs® on the Eems Traveller was a tangible demonstration of that mindset and, we have to say, we’ve been thrilled by the results,” Amasus stated.

“This latest contract is a landmark for us,” commented José Miguel, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue.

“As wind gathers favour, we expect to see these forward-thinking early adopters, such as Amasus, being joined by more and more owners and operators keen to take advantage of the obvious eSAIL® benefits. In that respect, we believe the adoption curve is set for take-off.”

Bound4blue’s eSAILs are suitable for both newbuilds and retrofitting across the majority of vessel segments, including, but not limited to, tankers, bulkers, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. According to the firm, the technology helps shipping companies simplify compliance, and achieve advantage, with regulations including EU ETS, CII and the upcoming FuelEU legislation.

Recently, bound4blue received full type approval design certificate from classification society DNV for its eSAIL technology, anticipating a faster adoption process and further orders.