Spanish company bound4blue is seeking to further consolidate its position in maritime’s evolving Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) segment with the appointment of Daniel Mann as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
Mann joins the team after four years as VP Business Development at Silverstream Technologies, and over 25 years supporting and growing various maritime and energy businesses worldwide. This includes a decade at Rolls-Royce Marine, over five years at Siemens, and more than two years at MAN Energy Solutions.
In his new position Mann will play a key role in accelerating bound4blue’s roll-out of its DNV Type Approved eSail. The fully autonomous suction sail technology works by dragging air across an aerodynamically optimised surface to generate propulsive force. This helps shipowners and operators cut fuel consumption and emissions, lower Opex, comply with regulatory demands, and play their part in shipping’s voyage towards enhanced sustainability.
Mann said: “It’s not often an opportunity like this comes along. The WAPS niche is growing rapidly, with wind finally being accepted as one of the prime enablers for a greener maritime future. Within that segment, suction sails are the technology of choice, with bound4blue firmly established as the pioneer and trusted industry partner. So, in that respect there’s a personal opportunity to make a mark within a sector and company set for ‘take off’, and a business opportunity to really seize on the huge market potential and cement bound4blue’s position as the standard-bearer for shipping’s wind revolution. Green technology and the decarbonisation of shipping are passions of mine. I look forward to helping grow this business and help customers worldwide meet their most ambitious climate goals.”
The bound4blue eSails are considered simple to install, operate and maintain – with few moving parts – and suitable for almost all shipping types, both retrofits and newbuilds. The ability to harness a free, readily available and inexhaustible green energy, cutting conventional fuel consumption, has stoked an upsurge of industry interest.
Shipping companies such as Maersk Tankers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Klaveness Combination Carriers, Marflet, Odfjell and Louis Dreyfus Company, amongst others, have signed recent eSail contracts, with a growing number of installations now scheduled worldwide.
David Ferrer, CTO and co-founder, bound4blue, said: “We have a proven solution that opens a profitable path to sustainability, instantly delivering powerful financial and environmental advantages for forward-thinking owners. With the advent of new regulations, and an increasing appreciation of WAPS benefits, we believe conditions are primed for a rapid upswing in the eSail adoption curve. Daniel has the expertise and ambition to help us realise that potential – building even stronger customer relationships and connecting us with new markets and opportunities. It’s great to be able to welcome him on board at bound4blue. Exciting times lie ahead; for us and the industry we serve.”
The eSails are available in three model sizes, from 12m to 36m in height, with optional tilting systems. Relevant vessel segments include, but are not limited to, tankers, bulkers, ro-ros, cruiseships, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo ships.
The units enhance 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 Emissions Trading Scheme.
Image: Daniel Mann has been hired to drive growth at bound4blue (source: bound4blue/Blue Comms)
