bound4blue secures major wind propulsion retrofit contract with Maersk Tankers

• Maersk Tankers places landmark order for wind-assisted propulsion systems as part of on-going strategy to enhance fleet sustainability 

• bound4blue to supply and install 20 26-meter eSAILs® across five separate MR vessels 

Barcelona, 11 November, 2024: bound4blue has consolidated its position at the forefront of shipping’s revolution with a landmark contract with Maersk Tankers. The agreement is the largest wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) agreement for bound4blue to date, with 20 of the company’s type approved eSAIL® suction sails to be installed on five MR tankers in 2025 and 2026.  

Turnkey efficiency 

Maersk Tankers identified the eSAIL® as a solution of choice in partnership with green technology catalyst Njord, who assessed and evaluated a broad range wind-assisted propulsion systems to ensure optimal environmental and commercial impact on the target project vessels and their expected future trading.  

The autonomous eSAILs® work by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate lift and exceptional propulsive efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, OPEX and emissions.  

Four of the turnkey units (20 in total) will be installed on the Maersk Tankers vessels – The Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo – and are expected to deliver double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel. 

Proven performance 

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue, describes the order as a “key milestone”, adding: “The trust Maersk Tankers has placed in our technology reinforces the proven capabilities of our solution in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while contributing to CII and FuelEU regulatory compliance.  

“Designed to operate safely in challenging conditions, our system is particularly well-suited for safe, high performing and cost-efficient operation on tankers. We’re excited to work alongside Maersk Tankers as they progress in their decarbonization efforts.” 

Accelerating adoption 

The contract marks another high point in a successful year for bound4blue, joining fresh orders from high-profile owners and operators such as Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Marflet Marine, Amasus, and Louis Dreyfus Company, amongst others. 

About bound4blue 

bound4blue develops automated wind-assisted propulsion systems as a turnkey solution for all shipowners and shipping companies seeking to reduce fuel costs and polluting emissions. bound4blue’s eSAIL® system is a validated solution for saving fuel and emissions, completely autonomous, with low maintenance and easy installation onboard, being the most cost-efficient wind propulsion technology today. It is suitable for Tankers, Bulkers, Ro-Ros, Cruises, Ferries, Gas Carriers, and General Cargo vessels, regardless of their size or age. The company, founded in 2014 with a vocation clearly focused on the renewable energy sector in the maritime field, has its headquarters in Cantabria (Spain) and offices in Barcelona and Singapore. The company has installed its eSAIL® system on four ships and has signed additional agreements with other shipowners like Eastern Pacific Shipping, Marflet, Louis Dreyfus Company, Marubeni Corporation, Odfjell, Klaveness and SNA TUHA’A PAE to install the system on their fleets. For more information, visit www.bound4blue.com.

Media Enquiries 
Dana Camps | T. +34 938 33 73 92 | press@bound4blue.com 

About Maersk Tankers

Maersk Tankers and affiliated companies operate one of the largest tanker fleets in the world through direct ownership and commercial management solutions for shipowners. Our purpose is to pioneer shipping solutions for our customers, partners, and the planet. Founded in 1928, we have a century of expertise in management of tankers, which we use to develop and deploy solutions that help shipowners boost the economic and environmental performance of their vessels. Maersk Tankers employs approximately 300 people and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Maersk Tankers is owned by A.P. Moller Holding. Additional information is available at www.maersktankers.com. 

Media Enquiries
Lars Sprogoe Bentzen | T. +45 40201434 | media@maersktankers.com 

About Njord 

Njord is a strategic partner to the maritime industry, driving the adoption of both standard and advanced efficiency technologies to accelerate the energy transition. Njord provides specialized expertise in green solutions to enable maritime companies across container, bulk, tanker, and gas shipping to achieve measurable, sustainable outcomes. For more information, visit www.njordsolution.com. 

Media Enquiries 
Derick Snell | T. +45 31 12 10 53  | derick.snell@njordsolution.com