With DNV’s stamp of approval in place, bound4blue eyes faster adoption of eSAIL

Spanish automated wind-assisted propulsion system specialist bound4blue has received full type approval design certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its eSAIL technology, anticipating a faster adoption process and further orders.

The eSAIL, designed for both retrofits and newbuilds, is a suction sail that harnesses wind power to propel vessels, employing an autonomous vertical sail with suction technology, dragging air across an aerodynamic surface.

The issued certificate validates the systems complete compliance with DNV’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) technical standard, demonstrating that the suction sail technology is in line with the industry’s most advanced rule set, bound4blue states.

With the TADC in place, the company expects “accelerated technical due diligence processes” with customers, paving the way for a simpler system roll-out and removing the burden of individual quality validation.

David Ferrer, Co-Founder and CTO of bound4blue, believes the approval from DNV can be the catalyst for a new wave of growth: “We’ve always been focused on developing a technology according to the very highest standards and meeting the most rigorous quality and safety requirements. Receiving the TADC from DNV provides third-party validation of that excellence, quality stamping our system and helping fast-track customer due diligence procedures. We believe this will work to accelerate the adoption process and facilitate further orders.

“Wind has massive potential for the maritime industry, both as a renewable energy source, but also as a tool to enable other alternative fuels. However, some owners and operators, understandably, may not know where to turn in this emerging segment. This approval consolidates our position as a preferred partner, with a proven system, and we aim to leverage it to cement our standing at the vanguard of the coming wind revolution.”

Following TADC from DNV, bound4blue plans to undertake other certification processes for the eSAIL technology.

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, commented: “Wind is an inexhaustible, free, zero carbon energy source, which is receiving increasing attention within the maritime industry. To harness its potential, owners require trusted systems, with validated technical and design compliance, to ensure the highest quality standards. DNV, with our world leading expertise is committed to helping our customers innovate and build confidence in these new technologies on a foundation of trust.

“Our cooperation with the team at bound4blue has been excellent, and we’re very pleased to award this certification. We look forward to seeing the growth of wind as a green energy source for vessels worldwide, as we work together to make the maritime industry even more sustainable for the generations to come.”

The Spanish company’s two 17-meter-high suction sails installed onboard Eems Traveller, the Dutch-flagged, Amasus-owned general cargo ship, are being showcased at the SMM maritime fair trade at the Port of Hamburg.

The wind-propulsion specialist has also recently secured eSAIL agreements with major names such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company and Odfjell, with installations scheduled in the coming months.