Maersk Tankers Commemorates Second Installation of Automated Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems

The maritime industry has taken a significant step forward in its transition to hybrid automation and renewable energy technologies. Maersk Tankers, a leading shipping company, has completed the second installation of automated wind-assisted propulsion systems across its medium-range tanker fleet. The development marks a major milestone in the adoption of wind propulsion technology, with bound4blue, a Spanish wind propulsion specialist, at the forefront of this innovation.

Expansion of Automated Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems

The latest installation saw four 24-meter automated suction sails fitted to the tanker Maersk Tahiti at Chengxi Shipyard in Jiangyin, China. The systems were supplied by bound4blue, which is deploying a total of 20 suction sails across five Maersk Tankers vessels under the companies’ current agreement.

Project Background

The project follows the first completed installation aboard Maersk Trieste earlier this year. This marks a significant expansion of automated wind-assisted propulsion systems in commercial deployment, as opposed to experimental or pilot-scale projects.

Newer Automated Systems

Wind-assisted shipping technologies have existed in various forms for decades, but newer automated systems are increasingly being positioned as practical industrial automation tools rather than environmental technologies. bound4blue’s eSAIL systems operate autonomously, using suction-based aerodynamic control to generate additional propulsion while reducing engine load.

Key Features of eSAIL Systems

According to the company, the systems can generate lift forces significantly greater than conventional rigid sails while requiring minimal crew interaction or operational maintenance. This makes them an attractive option for shipping companies looking to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The installations are designed to help shipping operators improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, and comply with tightening international maritime emissions regulations. The company says the systems contribute to:

Lower fuel consumption: By optimizing propulsion and reducing engine load, the eSAIL systems can lead to significant reductions in fuel consumption. Improved Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings: As a result of reduced emissions and improved efficiency, shipping operators can achieve higher CII ratings, which are used to measure a vessel’s carbon intensity. Compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations: The EU has introduced stricter fuel efficiency standards for maritime vessels, and the eSAIL systems can help shipping companies comply with these regulations. Reduced exposure to EU Emissions Trading System costs: By reducing emissions, shipping operators can avoid paying costs associated with the EU ETS, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime activities. EEDI and EEXI efficiency targets: The eSAIL systems can help shipping operators meet efficiency targets set by the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI).

Automation and Decarbonization

Automation and decarbonization increasingly converge in shipping. Unlike traditional sails, suction sail systems operate as integrated automated propulsion technologies, continuously adjusting aerodynamic performance to optimize thrust generation under changing weather and operating conditions.

bound4blue’s eSAIL systems are designed for both retrofit and newbuild projects across multiple vessel categories, including tankers, bulk carriers, ferries, cruise vessels, gas carriers, and cargo ships. The company says its systems are fully autonomous and designed for relatively simple installation compared with more complex vessel retrofits.

Bound4blue’s Growing Presence

The completion of the latest Maersk installation also reflects bound4blue’s growing manufacturing and operational presence in Asia as the company expands production and service partnerships in China. Since completing its first commercial deployment in 2021, bound4blue says it has installed automated wind propulsion systems on 11 vessels, with additional projects currently in development.

Its customer base now includes shipping groups such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Klaveness Combination Carriers, BW Epic Kosan, and Louis Dreyfus Company. These partnerships demonstrate the growing interest in automation and renewable energy technologies among major shipping companies.

Adoption of Wind Propulsion Systems

The adoption of automated wind propulsion systems marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the maritime industry. As the shipping sector continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further innovations in this area, with bound4blue and other companies playing a key role in driving progress.

Industry Development and Regulation

In addition to technological advancements being made by companies like bound4blue, there are also efforts underway to develop standards and regulations for wind propulsion systems. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies, including wind-assisted propulsion systems.

The IMO’s Sustainable Shipping Initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime activities by 50% by 2050. As part of this initiative, the organization is working to develop standards and guidelines for the use of wind propulsion systems in shipping.

Furthermore, governments around the world are introducing policies to support the adoption of sustainable technologies in the shipping sector. For example, the European Union has introduced a new regulatory framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maritime activities, including incentives for the use of wind-assisted propulsion systems.

Conclusion

The completion of the latest Maersk installation marks an important milestone in the adoption of automated wind-assisted propulsion systems in commercial deployment. As shipping companies increasingly turn to hybrid automation and renewable energy technologies, we can expect to see further innovations in this area, with bound4blue and other companies playing a key role in driving progress towards decarbonizing the maritime industry.

The use of suction sail technology has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions from shipping vessels. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further advancements in this area, including the development of more efficient systems and the introduction of new regulatory frameworks to support their adoption.

Ultimately, the adoption of automated wind propulsion systems marks a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maritime activities and promoting sustainable shipping practices. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and regulation to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.

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