Barcelona-based wind sail developer, bound4blue, is working on several projects, including the installation of an eSail retrofit on the chemical tanker, Bow Olympus, and the wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) retrofit on the Pacific Sentinel. The eSails, which operate on suction sail technology, are expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 10%. The sail operation will be managed by an autonomous control system, minimizing crew involvement and maintenance requirements.
CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, José Miguel Bermudez, emphasized the growing recognition of wind-assisted propulsion as a solution for environmental and commercial benefits. Meanwhile, Cyril Ducau, CEO of the Singapore ship management company, EPS, highlighted their decarbonization strategy, which includes investments in dual-fuel vessels, carbon capture, biofuels, and voyage optimization technology. EPS has already achieved a 30% reduction in emissions intensity and an Annual Efficiency Ratio of 3.6 CO2g/dwt-mile in 2023, ahead of schedule.
In February 2023, EPS completed the installation of a carbon capture solution on the tanker Pacific Cobalt. With a fleet of 250 vessels in excess of 25 million dwt, EPS is committed to sustainable and innovative solutions for the shipping industry.