Spanish suction sails developer seals full type approval

 

 

Spanish engineering firm bound4blue has revealed at the world’s largest shipping expo, SMM, that it received the full type approval design certificate (TADC) from DNV for its eSAIL suction sail.

The certificate validates compliance with the classification society’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems technical standard.

With this in place, bound4blue expects accelerated technical due diligence processes with customers, which could result in a simpler system roll-out. This will help shipowners by removing individual quality validation and speeding up access to eSAIL benefits.

The fully autonomous system works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface, generating exceptional propulsive efficiency. The system is simple, low-weight and easy to install and, according to bound4blue, significantly cuts main engine loads, fuel use, and emissions.

The company has already won contracts for its eSAIL systems with shipowners and operators including Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Amasus, Marflet, and Louis Dreyfus among others.

“Wind has massive potential for the maritime industry, both as a renewable energy source, but also as a tool to enable other alternative fuels. However, some owners and operators, understandably, may not know where to turn in this emerging segment. This approval consolidates our position as a preferred partner, with a proven system, and we aim to leverage it to cement our standing at the vanguard of the coming wind revolution,” said David Ferrer, co-founder and CTO at bound4blue.

With eSAIL having received the TADC from DNV, bound4blue is now undertaking other certification processes, with more certifications to follow.

“We look forward to seeing the growth of wind as a green energy source for vessels worldwide, as we work together to make the maritime industry even more sustainable for the generations to come,” added Hasso Hoffmeister, senior principal engineer at DNV Maritime.