bound4blue secures DNV validation for wind propulsion performance methodology, unlocking regulatory and commercial benefits

• Innovative ‘wind propulsion system force matrix’ methodology, validated by DNV, delivers simple, reliable, and detailed insights into eSAIL® benefits.

• Provides critical support for decision makers looking to navigate regulations and achieve environmental and commercial gains.

Oslo, 5^th June 2025: bound4blue has taken a major step forward in simplifying the adoption of wind power worldwide, with DNV validation of its ‘wind propulsion system force matrix’ calculation method. This validation provides shipowners, designers, and yards with a trusted, regulation-ready tool to evaluate the performance of bound4blue’s eSAIL®.

The validation gives the industry a reliable tool to easily calculate the benefits of bound4blue’s eSAIL® suction sail technology, without the need for full-scale testing. As such, it can save time and money through providing a clear forecast of the fuel savings, emissions reductions, return on investment, and regulatory benefits for individual vessels.

The validated methodology allows accurate estimation of the thrust generated by eSAILs® across a wide range of operational scenarios. The DNV validation of the methodology, indicates that the results have been produced with a tool that is fully aligned with international Rules and Standards and can now be used directly in calculations for key regulatory frameworks including EEDI, EEXI, and FuelEU Maritime.

“This is a crucial development,” says David Ferrer, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder at bound4blue. “The validation not only confirms the accuracy of our performance assessments, but also ensures they are immediately applicable for compliance with today’s most important environmental regulations. It simplifies decision-making for stakeholders and removes uncertainty when evaluating wind-assisted propulsion.”

Trusted, accurate, easy

bound4blue’s force matrix approach quantifies the thrust generated by eSAILs® under a full spectrum of wind and sailing conditions. Any individual vessel can be assessed, with trusted results produced through a unique combination of data from wind tunnel tests, CFD simulations and potential flow models (allowing for the analysis of multiple sail configurations and interactions).

“We see increased interest in adopting wind power due to the compelling commercial and regulatory benefits of this easily accessible, free and instantly available energy source,”  Ferrer comments. “However, some owners, designers and yards can be unsure of where to start and the level of savings possible with leading technology. Validation by DNV demonstrates that our calculation methodology is trusted and accurate, allowing us to very simply showcase the robust business case for our market proven, autonomous eSAIL® systems.”

The validation also reinforces trust among owners who are already adopting eSAIL® technology. Jan Opedal, Manager Projects at Odfjell says: “Having a certified methodology behind the performance numbers is essential. With DNV’s validation, we know that the values reported from the installation of eSAILs® on the Bow Olympus can be confidently used for regulatory purposes. This supports decision-making and makes it easier to assess the effect of eSAILs through an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.”

Reducing risk, building understanding

bound4blue’s fully autonomous suction sails are enjoying a surge in market impact, with recent orders placed by companies such as Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine and Klaveness Combination Carriers, while new installations have been completed for Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Louis Dreyfus Company. The mechanically simple, market proven systems are suitable for both retrofit and newbuilds, with easy installation and no operational input needed from vessel crews.

Speaking about the validation process, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Chief Operating Officer, DNV Maritime, states: “As the decarbonization timeline becomes clearer and regulatory pressure intensifies, we need to ensure that our stakeholders can make confident decisions when adopting energy enhancing technologies. Performance benefit claims should be credible, comparable, and transparent, to accelerate the uptake of greener technologies.

At DNV we want to make sure that when shipping companies invest in greater sustainability, they can be sure they are making a difference to both their competitiveness and to the environment. That’s why we are pleased to work with technology suppliers like bound4blue who are committed to transparency and independent validation to robust technical standards.”

Regulatory rewards

Wind propulsion solutions, such as suction sails, are becoming increasingly attractive since the advent of the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Wind is the only power source actively rewarded through the framework, with the Wind Reward Factor effectively relaxing compliance targets for relevant vessels by up to 5%. eSAILs® also create energy efficiency benefits for EEDI and EEXI, reduce emissions and costs relating to EU ETS, and positively impact CII ratings.

bound4blue eSAILs® have a typical payback period of less than five years and are suitable for either newbuilds or retrofitting across a diverse array of vessel segments. This includes, but is not limited to, Tankers, Bulkers, Ro-Ros, Cruises, Ferries, Gas Carriers, and General Cargo vessels.

bound4blue 

Cristina Aleixendri Muñoz | T. +34 938 33 73 92 | press@bound4blue.com

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. Since completing its first installation in 2021, the company has deployed its eSAIL® system on six 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, Marubeni Corporation, Klaveness Combination Carriers, and Louis Dreyfus Company, among others.

For more information, visit: www.bound4blue.com 

About DNV

We are the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence. As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.

DNV in the maritime industry: DNV is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges.

For more information visit: www.dnv.com/maritime

About Odfjell

The Odfjell Group is a global leader in seaborne transportation and storage of chemicals and other specialty bulk liquids. The fleet numbers roughly 70 advanced chemical tankers, while the tank terminal division consists of four strategically located facilities in Europe, the US, and Asia. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, with offices in 12 locations worldwide, Odfjell employs around 2300 people and recorded a gross revenue of USD 1.25 billion in 2024. With a long track record of embracing innovative solutions, Odfjell continues to drive progress in reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in the shipping industry.

Read more on Odfjell.com