Spanish wind-assisted propulsion company bound4blue’s eSAIL has received a full Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from DNV, validating compliance with the classification society’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) technical standard, and demonstrating that the company’s suction sail technology is in line with the industry’s rules.
Bound4blue expects this to pave the way for a simpler system roll-out, helping shipowners, removing the burden of individual quality validation, and speeding up access to eSAIL benefits including reduced fuel consumption and emissions, lower Opex, and simplified compliance with regulatory demands.
The fully autonomous system works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface, generating high propulsive efficiency. The units are designed for simplicity, light weight and ease of installation, cutting main engine loads, fuel use and emissions. The system has won contracts with shipowners and operators including Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Amasus, Marflet and Louis Dreyfus Company.
David Ferrer, Co-founder and CTO, bound4blue, said: “We’ve always been focused on developing a technology according to the very highest standards and meeting the most rigorous quality and safety requirements. Receiving the TADC from DNV provides third-party validation of that excellence, quality stamping our system and helping fast-track customer due diligence procedures. We believe this will work to accelerate the adoption process and facilitate further orders. Wind has massive potential for the maritime industry, both as a renewable energy source, but also as a tool to enable other alternative fuels. However, some owners and operators, understandably, may not know where to turn in this emerging segment. This approval consolidates our position as a preferred partner, with a proven system, and we aim to leverage it to cement our standing at the vanguard of the coming wind revolution.”
The TADC (DNV Standard ST-0511 Wind-assisted Propulsion Systems) prepares the ground for eSAIL installation onboard DNV classed vessels.
Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer DNV Maritime, said: “Wind is an inexhaustible, free, zero carbon energy source, which is receiving increasing attention within the maritime industry. To harness its potential, owners require trusted systems, with validated technical and design compliance, to ensure the highest quality standards. DNV, with our world leading expertise is committed to helping our customers innovate and build confidence in these new technologies on a foundation of trust. Our cooperation with the team at bound4blue has been excellent, and we’re very pleased to award this certification. We look forward to seeing the growth of wind as a green energy source for vessels worldwide, as we work together to make the maritime industry even more sustainable for the generations to come.”
The eSAILs have few moving parts and are suitable for most vessel types. They can be fitted as retrofits on a broad range of vessels, as well as newbuilds. The units ease compliance with existing and upcoming regulations, including improving vessel CII ratings, boosting EEDI and EEXI, complying with the advent of FuelEU Maritime, and contributing to saved allowances within the EU ETS.
Having received the TADC from DNV, bound4blue is now undertaking other certification processes.
Image: bound4blue receives DNV certification (source: bound4blue)
