On 22 February 2024 Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has signed a contract for its first ever wind-assisted propulsion system, partnering with bound4blue to install three 22m eSAILs® onboard the Pacific Sentinel.
The turnkey ‘suction sail’ technology, which drags air across an aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, will be fitted later this year, helping the 183m 50,000dwt oil and chemical tanker reduce overall energy consumption by approximately 10 per cent, depending on vessel routing.
bound4blue is gaining significant industry traction for its fully autonomous eSAIL® technology, with this latest agreement following similar contracts recently.
Suitable for both newbuilds and retrofit projects, the system delivers energy efficiency and cost savings for a broad range of vessels, regardless of their size and age.
José Miguel Bermudez, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue, believes the contract with EPS marks a significant milestone for the company:
“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.
“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.”
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.
It is a simple, mechanically robust solution, making it an ideal fit for the needs of the Singapore-headquartered shipping giant, with an extensive fleet comprising over 250 vessels and a combined DWT of 25 million.
