Sucking energy savings

Autonomous suction sail technology could make big fuel savings

Spanish shipping company Marflet has contracted automated wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) systems firm bound4blue for the installation of four 22m eSAILs on the 49,999 DWT oil and chemical tanker Santiago I.

The intention is to enable the Santiago I to dramatically reduce conventional fuel use, optimising operating costs and cutting GHG emissions. Depending on vessel routing and operations, and according to detailed modelling, the tanker should save around 10% and 15% of annual energy consumption with the reduced main engine loads.

The contract, with installation in mid-2025, makes Marflet the first Spanish merchant fleet owner to adopt a WAP system. The fully autonomous suction sail eSAIL technology has recently been selected by other leading industry names, including Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company and Odfjell.

The system works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency.  According to bound4blue,its system is “unique, simple, robust, highly efficient and requires zero operational input from crew”.

The Santiago I, which operates worldwide, will have four Model 2 turnkey eSAIL units fitted, with Spanish engineering specialist Cotenaval taking charge of tasks including designing the sail bases and electrical installation.

13/09/2024

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