Amasus returns to bound4blue for 22 m suction sail

The eSail will be installed on a 90 m, 3000 dwt general cargo ship in Santander, Spain, in mid-2025 and will be the largest suction sail system in that vessel segment.

bound4blue currently manufactures its sails exclusively in Spain, however CTO & Co-founder David Ferrer told journalists on October 21 that the company will also manufacture sails in Asia in the future in order to deliver to new buildings in Chinese yards without the need for long distance transport. The details of the future manufacturing arrangements are still under consideration.

Amasus vessel Eems Traveller has been operating with a pair of smaller 17 m suction sails since July 2023; third party validation of the system’s performance is being finalised with Lloyd’s Register, figures an Amasus spokesperson said would “speak for themselves”.

The eSails, a suction sail system, is a vertical wing which generates thrust from the lift and drag generated as wind passes over the sail's surface. Fans at the top of the hollow sail blow air upwards, creating low pressure inside. Strategically positioned holes along the sail's length suck in air, increasing the speed of the wind travelling over the wing and keeping the flow close to the aerodynamic surface, increasing thrust.

The new installation on the Amasus general cargo vessel is a single sail, but will have the same aerodynamic surface area, and therefore power, as the twin smaller eSails on Eems Traveller.

“Amasus is committed to playing its part in the creation of a more efficient, responsible and sustainable shipping industry. And to achieve that we need to consider new ways of working and new technological solutions. The decision to install the eSAILs on the Eems Traveller was a tangible demonstration of that mindset and, we have to say, we’ve been thrilled by the results,” added the Amasus spokesperson.

Amasus is bound4blue's first repeat customer, although one shipowner was motivated to order based on the actions of another. Ferrer said that Marflet Marine’s four-sail order for product tanker Santiago I was simplified by Odfjell’s similar order for its tanker Bow Orion, with Marflet opting for a similar sail layout due to Odfjell’s commitment.

“This latest contract is a landmark for us,” comments José Miguel, CEO and cofounder at bound4blue. “It’s the first time we’ve secured a second agreement with a shipowner, showing how the technology meets all expectations as a proven, cost effective, simple and reliable enabler for greener, more profitable and compliant shipping operations. We’re honoured to be chosen once again by this true industry leader."

bound4blue said that with typical payback periods of under five years and with the ability to reduce regulatory compliance costs like EU ETS and Fuel EU, it expects the adoption curve for eSails and wind power in general is set to take off. The company currently has seven sails installed on four ships, and an orderbook of 21 sails on seven vessels.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/dry-bulk/23102024/amasus-returns-to-bound4blue-for-22-m-suction-sail/