Maersk Tankers, one of the world’s largest tanker operators, is set to deploy eSAIL® suction sail technology on five of its MR (medium range) vessels as part of its strategy to reduce its environmental footprint and advance sustainable solutions in maritime transportation.
With over 240 tankers and gas carriers in operation, Maersk Tankers is continually exploring and adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies to create a sustainable fleet. As part of this effort, Maersk Tankers will install eSAIL® the suction sail technology, developed by bound4blue, a leader in automated Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).
Bound4blue will supply and install the suction sails, while the green technology catalyst Njord will lead the integration, installation, and validation of the systems. The installation marks the largest deployment of eSAIL® technology to date.
Claus Grønborg, Chief Investment Officer in Maersk Tankers said: “For the tanker industry to progress in the energy transition, concrete investments and actions are essential. At Maersk Tankers, we are committed to leading by example, continuously adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By implementing Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems at scale in our fleet, we enable our customers to meet their sustainability targets, while also advancing the objectives of FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.”
The eSAIL® works by dragging air across its aerodynamic surface to generate lift and propulsive efficiency, which significantly reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions. Each vessel will be equipped with four 26-meter autonomous eSAIL® systems, which automatically adjust to wind conditions for optimal performance. The technology will be installed on the vessels Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo during dry dock periods in 2025 and 2026.
Maersk Tankers first introduced WAPS technology to its fleet in 2018 with the installation of rotor sails on the Maersk Pelican. Drawing on its experience with deployment and of WAPS, Maersk Tankers expects double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel. Njord, appointed by Maersk Tankers as their green transition partner for the project, has managed the design and technology selection process end-to-end and will lead the integration and installation of the systems, while also validating the savings.
Additional initiatives to promote sustainability across the Maersk Tankers fleet include optimising energy efficiency through analytics-driven tools, investing in energy-saving devices (ESDs), and actively exploring alternative marine fuels such as methanol and ammonia.
(Image from Maersk Tankers)
