# Major Collaboration Milestone in Maritime Innovation

## Introduction to the Partnership

The collaboration between **bound4blue** and **Maersk Tankers** has achieved a significant milestone with the successful installation of eSAIL® units aboard the **Maersk Trieste**. This groundbreaking development marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing partnership and indicates advances in wind power utilization within the maritime industry.

## Installation Details

During this initial phase, **four out of a planned 20** eSAIL® units, each measuring 24 meters and designed for ‘plug and play’ integration, were equipped on the vessel. This event completes the first stage of a comprehensive agreement that aims to have a total of 20 units installed across five advanced medium-range (MR) tankers. This contract, finalized in December 2024, represents the largest order in bound4blue’s history to date.

## Industry Impact

**José Miguel Bermúdez**, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, labeled this development as a **“watershed moment”** for wind power adoption in the transitioning maritime sector. The initiative not only showcases technological advancement but also highlights a commitment to sustainable practices that can reshape the industry.

### Innovation Advantages

Bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology boasts autonomous operation, utilizing aerodynamic principles to draw in air efficiently. This design allows the sails to generate **up to seven times the lift** compared to traditional rigid sails of a similar size, producing notable gains in performance.

With customized configurations for specific vessels, the eSAIL® units promise significant improvements such as **double-digit reductions** in both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. This, in turn, enhances a vessel’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating and provides compliance benefits under available regulatory frameworks like **FuelEU Maritime** and **EEDI/EEXI**.

## Efficient Installation Process

In collaboration with the system integrator **Njord**, bound4blue and Maersk Tankers employed a **two-step installation** process designed to enhance efficiency while minimizing vessel downtime. Initial preparations included **‘wind ready’** work at **Yiu Lian Shipyard** in Shenzhen, China, where deck pedestals and electrical modifications were made. The vessel then proceeded to **EDR Shipyard** in Belgium, where the eSAILs® were lifted aboard, anchored to pre-installed foundations, and hooked up to the onboard electrical and data networks through a pre-commissioned, straightforward **‘plug-and-play’** method.

## Specializing for Tankers

Bermúdez highlighted how the design focused on delivering **maximum efficiency with minimum complexity**. This is particularly significant for the tanker segment, which often faces unique integration challenges.

> **Bermúdez added**, “The efficiency of eSAILs® allows tankers to leverage wind propulsion safely and economically, without adversely impacting operational profiles—thereby steering clear of tilting systems and maintaining a conventional operational air draft. These new installations demonstrate that leading shipowners recognize these advantages, aligning with our vision for a more sustainable, cost-effective, and compliant maritime future.”

## Commitment to Action

**Claus Grønborg**, Chief Investment Officer of Maersk Tankers, emphasized the necessity of **concrete investments and actions** for the tanker industry, stating, “Reducing emissions requires not just strategies but tangible implementations. At Maersk Tankers, we strive to adopt advanced energy-efficient technologies that effectively cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Integrating Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems at scale allows us to offer more energy-efficient voyages for our clients, facilitating compliance with stricter regulations like FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.”

Bound4blue’s **DNV Type Approved technology** is crafted for easy integration, catering to both new builds and retrofits across diverse ship categories. Their flexible installation processes allow for the fitting of complete systems in under a day, if necessary.

## A Wave of Change in Adoption

The project with Maersk Tankers is part of a broader trend, following a series of notable eSAIL® contracts and installations with companies such as **Louis Dreyfus Company**, **Eastern Pacific Shipping**, **Odfjell**, **Klaveness Combination Carriers**, and **BW Epic Kosan**.

These collaborations collectively illustrate a shift where wind propulsion is moving from a niche innovation to a mainstream strategy for decarbonization, now more pertinent than ever as regulations tighten and fuel costs rise.

Bermúdez concluded with optimism, stating, “This isn’t simply another installation; it’s evidence that wind propulsion can deliver substantial benefits even for complex vessel types like tankers. By collaborating with a progressive company like Maersk Tankers, we are showcasing real-world solutions for decarbonization that are not only feasible but are ready to generate a measurable impact today.”

## Leveraging AI legalese decoder for Compliance

In these transformative times, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations can be complex. Here, the **AI legalese decoder** can assist stakeholders in navigating the intricate legal landscape surrounding these technologies. By breaking down legal jargon and clarifying regulatory requirements, the AI legalese decoder empowers companies like Maersk Tankers and bound4blue to make informed decisions, thereby facilitating smoother project implementation and compliance adherence as the maritime industry embraces sustainable innovation.

For more details, please visit **bound4blue.com**.