• Global chemical tanker operator Odfjell continues drive to decarbonization with bound4blue suction sails on advanced tanker for substantial savings. 
• Thanks to the excellent coordination between all parties involved – Odfjell, bound4blue and EDR Antwerp Shipyard – the installation was successfully completed in just two days. 

 bound4blue and Odfjell have partnered to complete the first installation of a wind propulsion system  for the chemical tanker specialist, with four of bound4blue’s eSAILs® retrofitted on the 49’k dwt Bow Olympus. The 22m tall suction sails will help the advanced vessel achieve significant fuel savings, unlocking commercial, environmental and regulatory advantage.  

A tailored two-step installation process was deployed to accommodate the vessel’s busy schedule. Firstly, sail pedestals were fitted during a planned drydocking, before the eSAILs® were lifted into place at EDR Antwerp Shipyard. Due to the outstanding coordination among the three parties, the installation was efficiently completed in just two days. 

Deep-dive assessment 

bound4blue’s fully autonomous eSAILs®, which generate propulsive efficiency by dragging air across an optimised aerodynamic profile, were selected by Odfjell following a deep-dive study of competing WPS solutions by research institute RISE (formerly SSPA).  

The combination of the eSAIL®’s performance, payback potential, environmental and regulatory benefits, combined with the ability to opt for non-ATEX units on a chemical tanker, were key considerations for the Norwegian owner. 

Easy does it 

“We’re excited to support Odfjell in adopting wind propulsion technology within the maritime industry,” comments David Ferrer, Co-founder and CTO of bound4blue. “Installing WPS on a vessel like this can be challenging due to ATEX zones and air draft limitations. However, the mechanical simplicity of eSAILs® offers a smooth solution, allowing for the installation of non-ATEX units, which helps reduce CAPEX and simplifies the installation process. Indeed, this is a key attraction for the tanker marker, as shown by the increasing number of projects from this crucial segment now populating our orderbook.” 

Ferrer continues: “Furthermore, their high performance, generating six to seven times the propulsive lift of equivalently proportioned rigid sails in most common winds, allows us to minimize their size, eliminating the need for tilting systems. Odfjell, with the assistance of a third-party evaluation, recognised the ability of eSAILs® to deliver on the company’s ambitious sustainability goals. We’re delighted to set sail with them.” 

Gathering momentum 

The units, which can be installed in a single shipyard visit, were this time fitted in two convenient stages to meet the busy vessel’s operational goals. Electrical and structural preparations were made in a planned drydocking, while the sails were prepared and lifted into place in Antwerp. 

Odfjell now joins owners such as Amasus, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs with operational eSAILs®, with major shipping companies such as Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine and Klaveness Combination Carriers filling up a growing orderbook. 

Building benefits 

Speaking of the decision to adopt wind power, Erik Hjortland, VP Technology at Odfjell says: “We’ve made some major steps in minimizing our emissions, reducing our fleet’s carbon intensity by 53% against the 2008 baseline. We’ve done this through many operational measures and by installing a range of different energy saving devices. 

“Wind power was the next step. bound4blue’s suction sails have been chosen so we can determine the potential of wind propulsion in the continued work to reduce our emissions. It’ll be very interesting to start gathering and analysing data on the carbon and fuel savings the Bow Olympus can achieve with the suction sails. That data will be fundamental in informing further decisions, as we continue to improve the environmental performance of our existing vessels, while preparing for future newbuilds that will be with us into- and beyond 2050.” 

Regulatory rewards 

As well as driving down emissions and fuel expenditure, WPS provide powerful regulatory advantages for owners such as Odfjell. It is the only power source actively rewarded through FuelEU Maritime (Wind Reward Factor), while helping drive down emissions for EU ETS and positively impacting upon CII ratings, amongst other benefits. 

bound4blue eSAILs® have a typical payback period of less than five years and are suitable for either newbuilds or retrofitting across a diverse array of vessel segments. This includes, but is not limited to, Tankers, Bulkers, Ro-Ros, Cruises, Ferries, Gas Carriers, and General Cargo vessels.