Bound4blue has just pulled off a feat that’s got the maritime industry buzzing. They’ve fitted the world’s largest suction sails, four 26-meter high eSAILs®, onto the MV Atlantic Orchard, a juice carrier chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers. This isn’t just a big deal for bound4blue; it’s a game-changer for the entire shipping sector.
The installation was a slick operation, completed during the vessel’s 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain. Each of the four eSAILs® was installed in under a day, a testament to bound4blue’s efficiency and planning. The MV Atlantic Orchard, originally a dry bulk vessel converted in 2020, is now set to reap significant benefits. With these sails, the vessel will enjoy simplified compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations, thanks to the Wind Reward Factor. Plus, it’s looking at fuel consumption and emission savings of around 10%, depending on the trading routes. That’s not just good for the environment; it’s good for the bottom line too.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-founder of bound4blue, is rightfully chuffed. He sees this project as a prime example of how their technology meets customer needs. “eSAILs® open an easy, proven and economically beneficial pathway to greener operations for a wide variety of shipping segments,” he says. The units were installed in positions originally occupied by deck cranes, with all electrical and structural work done in one coordinated yard visit. That’s what you call efficiency.
This installation is the third for bound4blue this year, showcasing their ability to scale and deploy their technology. They’ve fitted their DNV Type Approved suction sails to a variety of vessels, from MR Tankers to general cargo and ro-ro vessels. And they’re not stopping anytime soon. Recent orders have come in from heavyweights like Maersk Tankers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, and Klaveness Combination Carriers.
So, what does this mean for the future of shipping? Well, it’s a clear sign that wind propulsion is no longer just a pipe dream. It’s a viable, profitable option for reducing emissions and fuel consumption. And with bound4blue’s eSAILs® having a typical payback period of less than five years, it’s an option that makes financial sense too.
But here’s where it gets interesting. This installation wasn’t just about fitting sails to a ship. It was about a collaborative effort between bound4blue, LDC, and Wisby Tankers. It was about LDC’s shipping decarbonisation team reviewing emissions-reducing technologies and Lloyd’s Register providing an expert assessment. It was about ambition, innovation, and a shared vision for a greener maritime industry.
Sébastien Landerretche, LDC’s Global Head of Freight, puts it best: “Reflecting LDC’s journey to help shape a low-carbon maritime industry… we are excited about this significant first step of a voyage that represents a new milestone in our Group’s long history in shipping.” That’s not just talk; that’s a call to action. A call for more collaboration, more innovation, more ambition.
So, buckle up, maritime industry. The wind is changing, and it’s blowing in the direction of sustainability. And with players like bound4blue, LDC, and Wisby Tankers leading the charge, it’s an exciting time to be in shipping. Let’s see who else will catch the wind and set sail for a greener future.
