Unique wind sail fitted to general cargo vessel
27th December 2021
bound4blue installed its eSAIL® system on the general cargo ship La Naumon in Astander, the first vessel in the world to sail with wind-assisted propulsion technology.
The manufacturing and commissioning of bound4blue’s technology, together with its installation by Astander, have been co-funded by the European Union, in the framework of the GREENing the Blue project (CINEA – European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency).
The project aims to promote the use of wind power to propel vessels, thus reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
The 18-metre-high eSAIL® on La Naumon is a rigid sail equipped with a tilting mechanism and an autonomous control system, representing cost-effective and proven technology to comply with International Maritime Organization emissions reduction regulations, such as the upcoming EEXI and CII measures.
The rigid sails are quick and simple to install. Before the installation, a detailed vessel assessment is undertaken and submitted to the Class Society and Flagging State for approval. Prior to the installation, the foundation and electrical work is completed.
The installation can then be performed while the ship is afloat, as in the case of La Naumon, during a scheduled drydocking or during any port call, as the operation takes less than a day.
