Greek shipping company Laskaridis Shipping has signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas (BV) to assess the integration of eSails across its fleet.
bound4blue’s suction sails – which work by drawing air across an aerodynamically optimised surface to generate exceptional lift – are suitable for both retrofit and newbuild projects. The technology is said to be suited to a range of segments. bound4blue’s DNV type approved technology is now the preferred choice of a range of leading global shipowners. The collaboration framework for the JDP was introduced and facilitated by Oceanking, bringing together a technology developer, a forward-thinking shipowner, and a classification society. The objective of the JDP is to create a credible, transparent, and technically robust process for evaluating the integration of the technology on Laskaridis’ vessels.
Catherine Prifti, Director of Laskaridis Shipping, said: “We are proud to pioneer the installation of suction sails onboard Polydefkis through a JDP in collaboration with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas. This initiative aligns with our ESG strategy and reflects our commitment to delivering measurable improvements in vessel efficiency. The integration of wind assisted propulsion systems (WAPS0 and specifically with the suction sails technology, is expected to significantly enhance the vessel’s operational performance. The Polydefkis is equipped with telemetry systems and holds BV’s Smart class notation, ensuring the collection of accurate and reliable performance data. BV will conduct independent and rigorous validation of the vessel’s operational performance improvements.”
The framework will examine key aspects, including installation requirements, onboard integration, operation requirements, and independent validation of operational performance. Through this JDP approach, the participating parties aim to jointly assess both the technical feasibility and economic viability of the solution, on the Greek owner’s fleet, establishing a clear pathway for informed decision-making and potential deployment of bound4blue eSails on designated vessels.
Henning Steffen, Sales Director Europe, bound4blue, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Laskaridis Shipping and BV to define how suction sails can be integrated across their fleet. Wind propulsion is a practical way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and we’re glad to support Laskaridis as they explore how it can play a role across their fleet.”
Costas Hassiotis, Oceanking CEO, added: “We are pleased and proud that our initiative has led to this significant collaboration, the first of its kind in Greece. Through this JDP, we aim to enhance the credibility of operational performance and strengthen confidence in WAPS, while highlighting how synergies among technology providers, shipowners, and classification societies reflect the maritime industry’s commitment to sustainable solutions, such as the eSails, that advance efficiency and support decarbonisation objectives.”
Paillette Palaiologou, BV SVP East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa, concluded: “We are delighted to support this JDP, which reflects Bureau Veritas’ commitment to enabling safe, reliable and scalable decarbonisation solutions. By providing independent expertise, we aim to help ensure that wind propulsion technologies such as eSails can be assessed with clarity and confidence, supporting informed decisions for shipowners”.
Image: JDP agreement for implementation of eSails on Laskardis’ vessels (source: bound4blue)
