Spanish wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) developer bound4blue has received a design assessment from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for its model 3-24 eSail, developed to maximise the contribution of WAPS on larger vessels.
The assessment confirms that the design has been independently reviewed against Bureau Veritas’ technical requirements, providing confidence for shipowners looking to deploy proven, scalable WAPS solutions. bound4blue says its eSail suction sail technology has made significant strides forward across multiple shipping segments in the space of the past year, with more than 50 units now ordered and installations completed onboard 13 vessels.
The Model 3 range spans heights from 24m to 36m, with the 3-24 becoming the first commercial installation earlier this year onboard Klaveness Combination Carriers’ newbuild Baltazar. The sails feature an expanded surface area and optimised aerodynamic profile, ensuring larger ships can take advantage of compelling commercial and regulatory gains.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder, bound4blue, said: “As the market matures, confidence becomes just as important as innovation. So, as wind takes its place within mainstream fleet investment, independent assessments really do play an increasingly important role in differentiating and substantiating technical solutions. Here at bound4blue it’s been a focus since day one. We are committed to engaging with leading class societies to demonstrate the quality and potential of our proprietary technology. By doing so we provide owners, yards and wider industry stakeholders with the reassurance they need to embrace the wind revolution and unlock significant environmental and business benefits. We’re delighted to achieve this latest recognition from Bureau Veritas as we continue to cement our position as a trusted industry partner.”
The model 3-24 builds on bound4blue’s model 2 platform, featuring technical simplicity for straightforward installation and autonomous operation. eSails work by utilising boundary layer suction to draw air across an aerodynamically optimised surface and generate propulsive force said to be up to seven times greater than rigid sails of the same size, while requiring less maintenance. The result is lower fuel consumption, reduced CO₂ emissions and improved operational efficiency. In addition, the non-Atex technology supports compliance with a growing range of environmental regulations, including FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS, while contributing towards improved CII performance and EEXI compliance.
David Barrow, SVP Western Europe and Americas, Bureau Veritas, said: “Wind propulsion is becoming an increasingly important element of the maritime industry’s decarbonisation journey, and independent technical assessment helps provide confidence as these technologies continue to mature and scale. Through this Design Assessment, Bureau Veritas is pleased to support bound4blue in advancing safe and reliable innovation, helping shipowners reduce emissions while maintaining robust technical standards.”
eSails have been adopted by various shipping companies, including Maersk Tankers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, and Louis Dreyfus Company. Designed as a simple, plug-and-play system for both retrofits and newbuilds, bound4blue suction sails operate alongside conventional propulsion systems while supporting the adoption of future fuels such as methanol and ammonia, helping shipowners integrate complementary sustainability solutions into their decarbonisation strategies. eSails have shown in trials to deliver double-digit fuel savings, with typical payback periods of less than five years.
Image: Bureau Veritas hands over certification for bound4ble model 3-24 WAPS (source: bound4b;ue)
