One Of World’s Largest Tanker Operators To Install bound4blue’s eSAILs On 5 Tankers

Maersk Tankers has signed a major deal with green technology company bound4blue to install wind propulsion systems on five of its medium-range (MR) tankers.

The project will be the largest wind-assisted propulsion system installation in bound4blue’s history, with 20 of its eSAIL® suction sails planned for deployment by 2026.

Four of these autonomous eSAIL® units will be installed on each of the five selected vessels, including the Maersk Tacoma and Maersk Tokyo.

These sails use airflow to provide extra propulsion, reducing the ship’s fuel consumption and operational costs.

Maersk expects this system to bring double-digit percentage reductions in both fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions for each vessel.

Maersk Tankers collaborated with green technology expert Njord, who evaluated various wind-assisted technologies before finalizing the eSAIL® and brought this concept to life.

Njord will also lead the installation and integration of the sails and will monitor their performance once they are installed.

Claus Grønborg, Chief Investment Officer at Maersk Tankers, discussed the need for concrete measures to make the tanker industry more sustainable.

He said that by adopting wind-assisted propulsion on a large scale, Maersk Tankers is helping customers meet sustainability targets while also working to comply with EU environmental regulations.

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO of bound4blue, said that the contract with Maersk Tankers is a key milestone. He said bound4blue is excited to help Maersk Tankers progress towards a greener future.

Maersk Tankers, which operates over 240 tankers and gas carriers, has been actively looking for greener options for its fleet.

Apart from the wind-propulsion project, the company uses data analytics to improve energy efficiency, invests in energy-saving devices, and researches alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol.

References: bound4blue, Maersk Tankers

Source: Maritime Shipping News