Spain: Record 22-meter suction sail installed on general cargo vessel (Video)

December 17, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

Spanish bound4blue has completed the installation of what it says is the largest suction sail ever fitted to a general cargo vessel for Dutch shipping company Amasus.

Bound4blue and Amasus Shipping completed the installation of a 22-meter eSAIL on the general cargo vessel Fluvius Tavy at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain, marking their second such installation.

This follows the previous installation on board Amasus’ Eems Traveller, where two 17-metre eSAILs became the first of their kind to be fitted on a general cargo vessel in July 2023.

“Our collaboration with Amasus continues to demonstrate that wind propulsion is gaining broader acceptance as a practical, profitable, and, crucially, a proven solution for an industry in transition,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-Founder of bound4blue.

“This installation is particularly noteworthy as it is the largest suction sail ever fitted to a general cargo vessel and, following a previous installation on the Eems Traveller, a very clear endorsement of the value Amasus sees in our technology. We’re delighted to help forward-thinking owners and partners, like Amasus, turn their sustainability ambitions into profitable results.”

Bound4blue explains that the retrofit was completed in a single visit to Astander, with all preparatory and installation work carried out within the vessel’s scheduled maintenance period. Structural and electrical adaptations were made to the deck to accommodate the sail’s foundations, after which the fully pre-commissioned unit, manufactured in Spain by Haizea-Tecnoaranda, was lifted into place in a streamlined, plug-and-play process.

“The decision to install a second eSAIL reflects how satisfied we are with the performance and how smoothly it has integrated into our day-to-day operations. Our experience with bound4blue’s suction sails highlights their suitability for short-sea general cargo vessels like ours,” said Amasus.

“We’re happy to continue working with bound4blue and would like to thank their team, as well as the yard, for another seamless and efficient Amasus installation. We’re now looking forward to seeing the fuel and emissions savings this new installation will deliver.”