Netherlands-based shipowner and operator Amasus Shipping is to instal a pair of 17m eSAILs, developed by bound4blue of Spain, on its 91m general cargo vessel ‘EEMS Traveller’.
The ‘suction’ sails will be retrofitted during a port call during 2022. A similar unit, considered the largest suction sail installed on a ship, was fitted by bound4blue in December 2021 on vessel La Naumon.
The suction sails are expected to reduce the 2,850 dwt ship’s fuel costs and annual CO2 emissions by up to 30% on favourable trade routes. The installation will reduce the vessel’s EEXI and improve the CII, further extending compliance with the IMO measures aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO bound4blue, said: “Our eSAIL is a commercially available, proven and reliable technology that turns wind into profit while reducing the carbon footprint of ships. Collaborating with Amasus Shipping team in this multiple sail installation is an opportunity to show again that general cargo ships, which account for roughly 27% of the world merchant fleet, can benefit from our wind propulsion system.”
Arend-Jan Rozema, MD Amasus Shipping, said: “Setting the right course is inextricably linked to shipping. In bound4blue we found a solid and professional partner in our mission as Amasus to reduce the energy footprint of our fleet. We feel that wind is one of the most sustainable energy sources available and should be used for all our benefit if possible. Reducing energy consumption by combining multiple techniques is the best pathway towards sustainable shipping.”
