EPS opts for first wind-assisted propulsion system to boost ‘efforts on the path to decarbonize’

Singapore-based shipping company Eastern Pacific Shipping has signed a contract with Spanish cleantech engineering company bound4blue to install its first-ever wind-assisted propulsion system onboard chemical tanker Pacific Sentinel.

As explained, under the agreement, bound4blue will fit three 22-metre eSAILs onboard the 183-metre, 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker.

Working in tandem with existing propulsion systems on the Pacific Sentinel, the three eSAILs will use an autonomous control system to optimize power and reduce engine load and fuel consumption, with no need for crew input and low maintenance requirements.

This ‘suction sail’ technology, which drags air across an aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, will be fitted later this year.

The Singapore-headquartered shipping giant, with an extensive fleet comprising over 250 vessels and a combined DWT of 25 million, hopes that by installing this solution, the vessel will achieve an overall reduction of energy consumption by approximately 10%, depending on vessel routing. 

“Signing an agreement with an industry player of the scale and reputation of EPS not only highlights the growing recognition of wind-assisted propulsion as a vital solution for maximizing both environmental and commercial benefits, but also underscores the confidence industry leaders have in our proven technology,” José Miguel Bermudez, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue stated.

“It’s exciting to secure our first contract in Singapore, particularly with EPS, a company known for both its business success and its environmental commitment. We see the company as a role model for shipping in that respect. As such this is a milestone development, one that we hope will pave the way for future installations across EPS’ fleet, further solidifying our presence in the region.” 

“EPS is committed to exploring and implementing innovative solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions across our fleet,” commented Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer at EPS.

“Over the past six years, our investments in projects including dual fuel vessels, carbon capture, biofuels, voyage optimisation technology and more have allowed us to reduce our emissions intensity by 30% and achieve an Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) of 3.6 CO2g/DWT-mile in 2023, outperforming our emission intensity targets ahead of schedule. The addition of the bound4blue groundbreaking wind assisted propulsion will enhance our efforts on this path to decarbonise.” 

“With this project, we are confident that the emission reductions gained through eSAILs on Pacific Sentinel will help us better evaluate the GHG reduction potential of wind assisted propulsion on our fleet in the long run.” 

Pacific Sentinel will achieve a ‘wind assisted’ notation from class society ABS once the eSAILs are installed. The technology is expected to help ships comply with existing and upcoming regulations like improving EEDI and EEXI, enhancing its CII rating, and contributing to saved allowances within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.  

“Wind assisted propulsion is an energy efficiency technology with a significant role to play in helping the global fleet swiftly improve its carbon intensity. As we wait for global alternative fuel infrastructure to mature, utilizing a readily available and truly zero emission solution such as the wind, is a smart move. ABS is proud to support early adopters of this technology such as EPS, who are blazing a trail with this technology for the rest of the industry to follow,” Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and Chief Executive, said.

bound4blue is gaining significant industry traction for its fully autonomous eSAIL® technology, with this latest agreement following similar contracts recently. The solution is suitable for both newbuilds and retrofit projects.

In August last year, Norwegian shipping company Odfjell decided to install bound4blue’s eSAIL suction sail system on a chemical tanker, making it the first tanker vessel in the world to harness this type of technology. The move is being pursued as part of Odfjell’s decarbonization efforts which have resulted in a 51% improved carbon intensity compared to the 2008 baseline, according to Odfjell’s data.