bound4blue lands US$44M from investors eyeing wind power as maritime’s most scalable solution for fuel and emission cuts today

• The strategic capital from shipping and climate investors underscores a growing industry consensus: wind propulsion systems (and suction sails in particular) are emerging as the leading pathway for immediate, scalable and cost-saving decarbonisation across global fleet.
• Suction sails convert wind into usable thrust that replaces part of a ship’s engine power, cutting fuel use and carbon costs. Independently verified results show bound4blue’s suction sails on vessels have resulted in voyages tracking fuel and emission savings of up to 40%.
• Maersk Tankers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Klaveness Combination Carriers and BW Epic Kosan are among the shipowners who have chosen bound4blue’s eSAIL® suction sails solution.

BARCELONA / SINGAPORE, 9 DEC 2025 – bound4blue, a global leader in wind propulsion systems, has closed a US$44 million funding round backed by leading maritime corporates, ship owning families, climate-focused investors and government capital.

The round was led by OCTAVE Capital, an investment platform affiliated with major shipowner IMC, and Katapult Ocean. The round brings together new investors including Motion Ventures, Odfjell family office and ReOcean Fund – led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco Asset Management – alongside existing investors Shift4Good, GTT Strategic Ventures, KAI Capital and CDTI (Innvierte SICC), who strengthened their commitment to the company.

“This round signals a new phase for bound4blue. Earlier stages focused on proving the technology and validating its impact; now this new capital reinforces the long-term backing we already have from investors who understand shipping and share our industrial vision and the role this technology will play across the fleet,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO & Co-Founder of bound4blue. “This funding enables us to expand capacity, accelerate our growth roadmap and advance new developments that will elevate both the technology and our services to the next level. It confirms that bound4blue is built on solid foundations and positioned for sustained global deployment,” he added.

The investment underscores a growing industry consensus: suction sails are emerging as the leading pathway for immediate, scalable decarbonisation across the global fleet with commercial gains.

The new funding will accelerate bound4blue’s shift into full industrialisation of suction sails and support efforts to deepen R&D as the company looks to grow beyond existing commercial offerings. The company is also responding to increased market demand by expanding manufacturing capacity to supply hundreds of suction sails annually.

Operational data continues to confirm the scale of impact bound4blue’s systems have had across several fleets. The company has already installed its technology on seven vessels, with a further twelve ships in the orderbook – representing more than fifty sails in total. These projects span leading owners such as Maersk Tankers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Klaveness Combination Carriers and BW Epic Kosan, reinforcing bound4blue’s position as a preferred partner for forward-thinking players across the sector.

By 2027, the company is expected to deliver annual CO₂ savings of more than 400,000 tons, with over 570,000 tons avoided in total between 2024 and 2027 – the equivalent of removing around 87,000 passenger cars from the road each year, planting more than 18 million trees, or avoiding over 250,000 transatlantic flights. This will be done through parallel production lines in Spain and China, enabling higher production throughput, stronger supply-chain resilience and faster delivery schedules.

By generating additional thrust from wind power, bound4blue’s suction sails “eSAILs®” reduce engine loads and fuel consumption, cutting vessel operating costs (with double digit savings) and CO₂ emissions. This greatly improves regulatory performance under frameworks such as CII, EEXI/EEDI, FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS.

Independently verified results demonstrate consistent, tangible impact in service. On Ville de Bordeaux, third-party assessments reported daily fuel savings of 1.7 tonnes, with peaks reaching 5.4 tonnes. Separately, on Odfjell’s Bow Olympus, the system delivered average fuel-saving of 15-20%, with voyage-leg peaks of up to 40% reductions during its first transatlantic voyage. Verified under full operational conditions, bound4blue’s suction sails are delivering real savings today on vessels trading globally.

The maritime industry is entering what many describe as the “retrofit decade”, with tens of thousands of vessels requiring efficiency upgrades before 2030. Unlike alternative fuels, which face long timelines for global availability, engine compatibility and bunkering infrastructure, suction sails can be installed today, on today’s ships, operated by today’s crews. The technology is also increasingly being incorporated into newbuild designs, where it offers an additional long-term lever to reduce fuel consumption and carbon exposure from day one. This positions bound4blue to support both the large retrofit wave already underway and the growing number of newbuild projects integrating wind propulsion from the outset.

May Liew, Chief Executive Officer at OCTAVE Capital, said: “We invested in bound4blue because wind propulsion systems have moved from promising innovation to proven, scalable climate infrastructure. For the maritime sector, where long-dated fuel transitions remain critical but still years from wide-scale adoption, this technology provides the real and immediate carbon emissions reductions needed right now. With bound4blue industrialising production across both Europe and Asia, the team is well positioned it to lead the category worldwide. As an impact-driven investor with an interest in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, we believe bound4blue will play a critical role in accelerating shipping’s transition while delivering measurable carbon savings from day one.”

Jonas Skattum Svegaarden, CEO at Katapult Ocean, added: “After years of looking for the right opportunity in this space, we were driven to invest in bound4blue as wind propulsion has clearly shifted from experimental concept to bankable decarbonisation tool, and bound4blue in particular has proven it can deliver meaningful, verifiable fuel and emissions reductions at a category-defining pace. As the team scales into Asia and deepens partnerships with leading shipowners, we’re confident that their combination of technical performance, commercial traction, and global supply chain ambition will make bound4blue a cornerstone solution in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient ocean economy.”

Anders Vartdal, Investments at Motion Ventures, said: “Wind propulsion has shifted from an interesting idea to one of the most scalable and cost-saving decarbonisation strategies available today. bound4blue’s proven performance, strong orderbook and industrial readiness put them in a category of their own. Led by a strong founding team of aerospace engineers, the organisation has shown tremendous execution capacity and customer attentiveness. We’re backing bound4blue because they are positioned to lead this global retrofit wave.”

Gustav Sannem, CEO Rederiet Odfjell, said: “We are truly impressed by the professionalism and drive of the bound4blue team and having seen first-hand the performance of their eSAIL technology on the Bow Olympus, we are convinced of bound4blue’s potential and are thrilled to partner with them.”

Olivier Wenden, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, said: “ReOcean Fund’s investment in bound4blue illustrates our commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of maritime transport with solutions that are both ambitious and immediately deployable. Wind propulsion provides a concrete response to one of the most urgent climate challenges, while being compatible with existing vessels which is an essential condition for delivering rapid, scalable impact. This investment marks a further step in the fund’s development and investment phase, focused on key sectors aligned with SDG 14, with green shipping standing as one of our top priorities. Backing innovators such as bound4blue is central to drive systemic change and shape a more sustainable and resilient ocean economy.”

Yann Marteil, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Shift4Good, added: “In a global market characterised by massive fleet volumes and a concentrated set of major operators, the potential for impact is enormous. bound4blue has emerged as a leader in wind propulsion, supported by a team that is consistently engaged across the maritime ecosystem – from industrial deployment to policy and regulatory discussions. Their ability to operate at the intersection of technology, industry needs and sector evolution is exactly what Shift4Good seeks to back.”

Hélène Loncin, Head of Venture Capital at GTT, commented: “We are proud to accompany bound4blue on its journey to transform maritime transport. This follow-on investment reflects our continued confidence in their vision and technology. Through GTT Strategic Ventures, we support climate tech champions who share our belief that the future of shipping lies in cleaner, smarter, and more efficient solutions. bound4blue is a remarkable example of that vision in action.”

Alfredo Pérez, President at Kai Capital, added: “bound4blue is an example of how technology can transform a strategic sector and make it more sustainable. Our fund maintains a strong commitment to this project and to its positive environmental impact. We also share a common identity linked to Cantabria, the region where both companies have our corporate headquarters, and we will continue investing in technology companies that drive talent and regional growth.”

bound4blue 

For media queries contact: T. +34 938 33 73 92 | press@bound4blue.com

About bound4blue 

bound4blue develops automated wind 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, Cruise vessels, 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. Since completing its first installation in 2021, the company has deployed its eSAIL® system on seven ships, with 12 more in its order book, representing more than 50 eSAILs®. Its growing client portfolio includes industry leaders such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Maersk Tankers, Odfjell, Klaveness Combination Carriers and BW Epic Kosan, among others.

For more information, visit: www.bound4blue.com

About OCTAVE Capital

OCTAVE Capital is a Singapore-based impact investment firm committed to delivering meaningful social and environmental outcomes through mission-aligned capital. Backed by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), a purpose-led family enterprise, OCTAVE Capital builds on a legacy of maritime innovation and sustainable ocean development. The firm invests in regenerative solutions that strengthen a well-being economy and deploys catalytic capital to unlock systemic change across Asia and globally. Learn more at www.octavecapital.co

About Innvierte SICC (CDTI)

INNVIERTE Economía Sostenible SICC S.M.E., S.A. is an initiative created by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI), under the framework of the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Its aim is to promote business innovation by supporting venture capital investment in technology-based or innovative companies. This entity, established as part of the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation, is a closed-end, self-managed collective investment company supervised by the National Securities Market Commission.

About Katapult Ocean

Katapult Ocean is a Norway-based impact investment fund dedicated to scaling startups that restore and protect the health of the ocean while building resilient, sustainable ocean economies. Far and away, Katapult Ocean is one of the most active bluetech VCs in the world. Katapult Ocean invests in early and growth stage companies delivering transformative solutions in areas such as sustainable shipping, ocean energy, circular materials, blue food, and coastal resilience. By combining catalytic capital with hands-on accelerator support and a deep global network across industry, science, and policy, Katapult Ocean helps founders drive measurable climate and biodiversity outcomes alongside strong financial returns. Learn more at https://katapult.vc/ocean/

About Motion Ventures

Motion Ventures is a venture capital fund catalysing digital and energy transitions across global supply chains. Backed by a unique network of corporate leaders, industry executives, and government partners, we empower founders to navigate complexities and achieve unparalleled success. Our collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders across and beyond the maritime sector, drives transformative changes that reshape global supply chains. For more information please visit: https://www.motion.vc/

About Odfjell family office

The Odfjell family office represents the largest shareholder in Odfjell SE/Odfjell Tankers. Other family office holdings include Odfjell Terminals South America, a group of liquid bulk terminals in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, Odfjell Vineyards in Chile, and financial assets.

About ReOcean Fund

The ReOcean Fund is a private equity fund led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco Asset Management. It invests in high impact, innovative scale-up companies in order to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero, regenerative and more equitable blue economy. Through its actions, it aims at reducing key sources of pollution in the ocean, transform the way we produce blue food, travel across the seas, protect marine ecosystems, and inform decision makers with robust, transparent data. For more information visit: www.reoceanfund.com

About Shift4Good

Shift4Good is an impact venture capital fund with €220 million in assets under management, focused on the decarbonisation of transportation and energy systems. The fund invests in solutions for the movement of goods and people – sectors that together account for around 25% of global CO₂ emissions – and in the enabling energy technologies that make this transition possible. Backed by leading institutional investors and major mobility players, Shift4Good identifies and supports entrepreneurs capable of deploying transformative climate technologies at scale. The firm has offices in Paris, Luxembourg, Stockholm and Singapore. For more information please visit: www.shift4good.com

About GTT Strategic Ventures

GTT Strategic Ventures is the investment fund created by the GTT group in 2023, dedicated to investing in Climate Tech champions. For more information, visit gttventures.com

About Kai Capital

Kai Capital is an investment firm founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Alfredo Pérez Fernández. The company focuses on the management and investment of financial, real estate, and alternative assets, as well as direct equity participation in projects and startups aligned with its vision, where innovation, technology and sustainability converge. Kai Capital is currently dedicated to promoting disruptive business models with high social impact.