Three bound4blue eSAILs installed on EPS’ tanker

Spain’s automated wind-assisted propulsion system specialist bound4blue has completed the installation of its suction sails on a tanker vessel owned by Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).

Under the agreement signed in February 2024, EPS’ 50,000 dwt oil and chemical tanker Pacific Sentinel was fitted with three 22-meter, DNV-approved eSAILs in under a day per unit at Besiktas Shipyard in Türkiye during the vessel’s planned drydocking.

The fully autonomous wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) is expected to help the vessel reduce overall energy consumption with forecasted energy consumption savings of around 10% depending on vessel routing, slashing OPEX and emissions to air, while also enhancing regulatory compliance. 

According to bound4blue, this installation marks its first tanker installation. At the same time, it signifies EPS’ first step into wind-assisted propulsion as a continuation of its ambitious decarbonization program.

David Ferrer, Co-Funder and CTO of bound4blue, explained: “ (…) In this case the vessel and sails were fully prepared in advance, ensuring they could be lifted and bolted into place without extending the planned time at the yard.

“The fact that this is an MR Tanker creates unique challenges in terms of ATEX zones and air draft limitations, but the eSAILs simplicity is the ideal solution.  

“It allows for non-EX-proof units, which streamlines the process, and reduces CAPEX, while their high performance achieves substantial savings without requiring excessively large sails, eliminating the need for tilting mechanisms and allowing for compatibility with the vessel’s existing air draft. It is, we believe, an ‘easy’ way for such vessels, and many other demanding shipping segments, to access the compelling commercial, regulatory and environmental advantages of wind power.” 

bound4blue and EPS are also collaborating on the installation of three eSAILs on an MR tanker under construction at New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, China. This installation is scheduled for late 2025.