Amasus, a European shortsea, bulk, general cargo, offshore and heavy lift shipping company, has signed a fresh eSail (suction sail) contract with Spain’s bound4blue.
Under the new agreement, a 22m unit will be retrofitted on a 90m 2,876 dwt vessel at Astander Shipyard in Santander, scheduled for mid-2025. The installation is considered to set a new benchmark as the largest suction sail system on a general cargo vessel.
Amasus sealed the deal with bound4blue after assessing the impact of its first suction sails on Eems Traveller, which has been sailing with two 17m eSails since July 2023. The autonomous system, which works by dragging air across its aerodynamic surface to generate propulsion power, helps reduce vessel fuel use, Opex and emissions to air, while also enhancing regulatory compliance.
Amasus says that the compelling nature of the benefits convinced the business to return to bound4blue. The company said it is committed to playing its part in the creation of a more efficient, responsible and sustainable shipping industry, which includes new ways of working and new technological solutions. The decision to install the eSails on the Eems Traveller was a tangible demonstration of that mindset. Third party validation of eSail performance on the vessel by Lloyd’s Register is now being finalised. Amasus believes in the commercial and environmental sense in choosing wind as part of its evolving energy mix, and regards bound4blue as the right industry partner.
Image: eSail on Amasus vessel (source: bound4blue)
