Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) to install three bound4blue eSAILs® on the Pacific Sentinel in Q4 2024. This investment highlights EPS’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions, with expected energy savings of around 10%, subject to vessel routing.
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has entered into an agreement to implement its first wind-assisted propulsion system. Partnering with bound4blue, EPS will equip the Pacific Sentinel with three 22-meter eSAILs® later this year. This advanced ‘suction sail’ technology, which enhances propulsive efficiency by channeling air across an aerodynamic surface, aims to cut the 183-meter, 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker’s energy consumption by approximately 10%, depending on the route.
Efficient and Flexible Solution
bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology is gaining momentum in the maritime industry. This latest agreement adds to a series of similar contracts, demonstrating the system’s suitability for both newbuilds and retrofits. It offers energy efficiency and cost savings across various vessel types, regardless of their age or size.
Significant Development in Wind Propulsion
José Miguel Bermudez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, remarked: “Partnering with EPS, a recognized industry leader, emphasizes the growing acceptance of wind-assisted propulsion as a crucial solution for achieving both environmental and commercial benefits. This agreement is a testament to the confidence industry leaders have in our proven technology.”
Commitment to Sustainability
The three eSAILs® on the Pacific Sentinel will work alongside the vessel’s existing propulsion systems, using an autonomous control system to optimize power, lower engine load, and reduce fuel consumption with minimal maintenance and no need for crew intervention. This robust, mechanically simple solution aligns perfectly with the needs of EPS, which operates an extensive fleet of over 250 vessels totaling 25 million DWT.
“EPS is dedicated to adopting innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and lower emissions throughout our fleet,” stated Cyril Ducau, CEO of EPS. “In the past six years, our initiatives, including dual fuel vessels, carbon capture, biofuels, and voyage optimization technology, have reduced our emissions intensity by 30% and achieved an Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) of 3.6 CO2g/DWT-mile in 2023, surpassing our targets ahead of schedule. Incorporating bound4blue’s wind-assisted propulsion will further our decarbonization efforts.”
“With this project, we are confident that the emission reductions gained through eSAILs® on Pacific Sentinel will help us better evaluate the GHG reduction potential of wind-assisted propulsion on our fleet in the long run.”
Regulatory Compliance
Once the eSAILs® are installed, the Pacific Sentinel will receive a ‘wind assisted’ notation from the ABS classification society. The technology will help the vessel comply with existing and upcoming regulations, including improvements in EEDI and EEXI ratings, enhancing its CII rating, and contributing to savings within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and Chief Executive, commented: “Wind-assisted propulsion is a vital energy efficiency technology for rapidly improving the carbon intensity of the global fleet. As we await the development of global alternative fuel infrastructure, utilizing wind—a truly zero-emission solution—is a smart strategy. ABS is proud to support early adopters like EPS in pioneering this technology for the industry.”
About bound4blue
bound4blue develops automated wind-assisted propulsion systems as a turnkey solution for shipowners and shipping companies aiming to reduce fuel costs and emissions. The eSAIL® system is a validated, autonomous, low-maintenance, and easy-to-install solution, offering the most cost-effective wind propulsion technology available. Offered in sizes ranging from 12m to 36m in height, bound4blue’s suction sails are suitable for Tankers, Bulkers, Ro-Ros, Cruises, Ferries, Gas Carriers, and General Cargo vessels. Founded in 2014, the company has its headquarters in Cantabria, Spain, with offices in Barcelona and Singapore. They have installed eSAIL® systems on three ships and have agreements with other shipowners like Louis Dreyfus Company, Marubeni Corporation, Odfjell, SNA TUHA’A PAE, and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs.
For more information, visit: www.bound4blue.com
About Eastern Pacific Shipping
With a 60-year history, Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd. (EPS) is a leading shipping company dedicated to green and technology-driven growth. Headquartered in Singapore for the past 30 years, EPS operates a versatile fleet of over 250 vessels and 25 million DWT, across three core segments: containership, dry bulk, and tanker vessels. EPS’s integrated shore team includes commercial, finance, innovation, IT, legal, manning, operations, and technical departments.
For more information, visit: https://www.epshipping.com.sg/
European Union Co-Funding
This project is co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101103465 from the Innovation Fund programme.
