Spain’s Marflet Marine to fit four eSAILs on chemical tanker

Spanish shipowner Marflet Marine has signed a contract with compatriot cleantech engineering company bound4blue for the installation of four eSAILs on its oil and chemical tanker Santiago I.

The vessel Santiago I will have four ‘model 2’ eSAIL units fitted, with Spanish engineering specialist Cotenaval taking charge of tasks including designing the sail foundations and electrical installation. 

Depending on vessel routing and operations, and according to detailed modeling, the 49,999 dwt Santiago I should save around 10 and 15% of annual energy consumption with the reduced main engine loads, according to bound4blue.

“This is a very significant contract for us, not only because Marflet is the first Spanish merchant fleet shipowner to join the wind revolution, but also because with this contract, we reinforce our position as the preferred solution for tankers,” commented José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO, bound4blue.

“Having Marflet ‘on board’ is a source of real pride, signifying that more and more shipowners are realizing the great potential of wind as a decarbonizing force within the industry.“

“The wind revolution is here, and the time is now: as regulations become more stringent and stakeholders demand action to achieve environmental goals, solutions such as our eSAILs® allow owners to harness a natural, clean power source while also realizing significant commercial benefits.” 

“This contract demonstrates our determination to identify innovative pathways to enhance operational sustainability,” stated Juan Cremades, Fleet Manager at Marflet.

“With bound4blue’s eSAILs® onboard, Santiago I has a cost-effective means to optimise fuel efficiency and really drive down emissions, benefiting all our stakeholders. We see huge potential in wind, and we’re thrilled to be the first mover in the Spanish merchant market to adopt such a breakthrough solution.“

“The Santiago I’s voyage will continue from here. In addition to the suction sail technology, we will now focus on additional ways to reduce underwater radiated noise and further improve both efficiency and safety with advanced weather route analysis.” 

The contract, with installation in mid-2025, makes Marflet Marine the first Spanish merchant fleet owner to adopt a wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) system.

It marks a further development for bound4blue’s fully autonomous suction sail eSAIL technology, which has recently been selected by other shipping companies such as Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), Louis Dreyfus Company and Odfjell.