London – Amasus, one of Europe’s leading players in the shortsea, bulk, general cargo, offshore and heavy lift segments, has signed a fresh eSAIL® (suction sail) contract with Spain’s bound4blue. Under the new agreement, a 22-meter unit will be retrofitted on a 90-meter, 3,000 dwt vessel at Astander Shipyard in Santander, scheduled for mid-2025. The installation will 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 17-meter eSAILs® since July 2023. The autonomous system, which works by dragging air across its aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, helps reduce vessel fuel use, OPEX and emissions to air, while also enhancing regulatory compliance.
A spokesperson for the Amasus team noted that the compelling nature of the benefits convinced the business to “come back for more”:
“Amasus is committed to playing its part in the creation of a more efficient, responsible and sustainable shipping industry. And to achieve that we need to consider 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 and, we have to say, we’ve been thrilled by the results.
“Third party validation of eSAIL® performance on the vessel, by Lloyd’s Register, is now being finalised and the figures, when released, will speak for themselves. It goes to show both the commercial and environmental sense in choosing wind as part of our evolving energy mix, while the collaboration with bound4blue demonstrates the importance of choosing the right industry partner. We look forward to more positive developments in 2025 and beyond.”
The new contract is further proof of the growing popularity of bound4blue’s unique, DNV Type Approved WAPS solution, which is market-proven, robust, mechanically simple, and requires zero operational input from crew.
Shipowners and operators that have signed contracts in the past year alone include Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Marflet Marine, and Louis Dreyfus Company, amongst others.
(Image from Amasus)
