Marflet Marine will equip the oil and chemical tanker Santiago I with four 22-meter-high eSAILs® from bound4blue. This marks Marflet Marine as the first Spanish shipowner in the merchant fleet to commit to wind-assisted propulsion (WAP), with the installation planned for mid-2025.
Marflet Marine, a longstanding private shipping company in Spain, has entered a contract with bound4blue to install four 22m eSAILs® on the 49999 DWT tanker Santiago I. This initiative is part of Marflet’s ongoing strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The eSAILs® will significantly cut fuel consumption, thus lowering operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovative Efficiency
The mid-2025 installation will position Marflet as the pioneer Spanish merchant fleet owner to utilize a WAP system. This step is a notable advancement for bound4blue’s autonomous ‘suction sail’ eSAIL® technology, which has also been chosen by major industry players like Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Odfjell.
The eSAIL® operates by drawing air over an aerodynamic surface to produce efficient propulsion. The system is simple, robust, efficient, and requires no input from the crew.
Sustainable Wind Propulsion
“This contract is significant not only because Marflet is the first Spanish merchant fleet shipowner to join the wind revolution but also because it reinforces our position as the preferred solution for tankers,” states José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO of bound4blue. “Marflet’s involvement is a source of pride, showing that shipowners are recognizing wind’s potential as a decarbonizing force within the industry.”
Substantial Savings
The Santiago I, a globally operating vessel, will be equipped with four ‘model 2’ turnkey eSAIL® units. Spanish engineering firm Cotenaval will handle tasks like designing the sail foundations and electrical installation. The straightforward installation process minimizes additional engineering work and downtime compared to other emission reduction technologies.
Based on detailed modelling, Santiago I is projected to save between 10% and 15% in annual energy consumption due to reduced main engine loads.
Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Emissions
“This contract showcases our commitment to finding innovative ways to enhance operational sustainability,” comments Juan Cremades, Fleet Manager at Marflet. “With bound4blue’s eSAILs®, Santiago I can optimize fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions, benefiting all stakeholders. We see great potential in wind and are excited to be the first in the Spanish merchant market to adopt this groundbreaking solution.”
“Beyond the suction sail technology, we will also focus on reducing underwater radiated noise and further improving efficiency and safety through advanced weather route analysis.”
bound4blue’s technology is suitable for both newbuilds and retrofitting across a wide range of vessel types, including tankers, bulkers, Ro-Ros, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. The eSAILs® help ships comply with current and upcoming regulations, improving vessel CII ratings, boosting EEDI and EEXI scores, adhering to FuelEU Maritime, and contributing to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
Discover More: www.bound4blue.com
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, fully autonomous and low maintenance, is the most cost-efficient wind propulsion technology available and suitable for a variety of vessel types. Founded in 2014, the company has headquarters in Cantabria, Spain, and offices in Barcelona and Singapore. They have installed eSAIL® systems on four ships and signed agreements with other shipowners, including Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company, Marubeni Corporation, Odfjell, and SNA TUHA’A PAE.
About Marflet Marine Marflet Marine is dedicated to the management, operation, and chartering of product & chemical tankers. With a proud seven-decade history, Marflet Marine combines a technically advanced fleet, market agility, and a motivated staff. The company shares values of quality, safety, and environmental care with its partners, operating one of the most advanced IMO2 MR tanker fleets.
Project Funding This project is co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101103465 from the Innovation Fund programme. Views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.
For More Information:
www.bound4blue.com
www.marfletmarine.com
