Maersk Tankers Adopts Wind-Assisted Propulsion Technology to Cut Emissions

Maersk Tankers, a major player in the shipping industry, has decided to incorporate wind-assisted propulsion technology into its fleet to reduce emissions. The company has chosen Spain’s Bound4blue to install suction sails on five of its medium-range tankers, marking Bound4blue’s largest agreement to date. Maersk Tankers, with over 240 tankers and gas carriers, has been actively exploring and adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies. In 2018, the company tested wind-assisted propulsion by installing rotor sails on the Maersk Pelican and has now awarded a contract to Bound4blue for the installation of 20 suction sails across five ships in its fleet.

The selected vessels for the installation of suction sails include Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo. These ships, built between 2015 and 2016, will undergo the installation of the 26-meter sails during dry dock periods in 2025 and 2026. Maersk Tankers anticipates significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel, contributing to their sustainability goals and aligning with regulatory frameworks like FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.

Bound4blue’s CEO and co-founder, José Miguel Bermúdez, emphasized the safety, performance, and cost-efficiency of their wind-assisted propulsion system, which is designed to operate effectively on tankers. The company, founded in Spain a decade ago, has already installed its eSail system on four ships and is experiencing growing momentum in the industry. Other notable shipping companies, such as Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific, Odfjell, and Louis Dreyfus, have also signed agreements with Bound4blue, indicating a rising interest in wind propulsion systems among industry players.

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