Dutch shipping company Amasus has contracted with bound4blue to retrofit one of its vessels with what it says will be the largest suction-sail system on a cargo vessel.
Merchant vessels rely on their main engines for propulsion and burn enormous amounts of fuel. Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) take advantage of the available wind to generate clean forward thrust, reducing the engine thrust required and cutting down fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Such sails can help shipping companies meet FuelEU Maritime Regulations that promote the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels and clean energy technologies for ships to support decarbonization in the sector.
Shipping is responsible for 3% of global emissions. FuelEU Maritime sets maximum limits for the yearly average greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the energy used by ships above 5,000 gross tonnage calling at European ports, regardless of their flag. Targets will start with a 2% decrease by 2025 and reaching up to an 80% reduction by 2050.
Amasus has sailed with its first suction sails on Eems Traveller since July 2023. A spokesman for the company said, “Third party validation of eSAIL performance on the vessel, by Lloyd’s Register, is now being finalised and the figures, when released, will speak for themselves. It goes to show both the commercial and environmental sense in choosing wind as part of our evolving energy mix, while the collaboration with bound4blue demonstrates the importance of choosing the right industry partner. We look forward to more positive developments in 2025 and beyond.”
The system Amasus plans to install will be 22 meters and will be retrofitted on a 90-meter, 2,876 deadweight tonnage vessel in Santander, scheduled for mid-2025.
“This latest contract is a landmark for us,” said José Miguel, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue. “We’ve secured a second agreement with a shipowner, showing how the technology meets all expectations as a proven, cost effective, simple and reliable enabler for greener, more profitable and compliant shipping operations. We’re honoured to be chosen once again by this true industry leader.”
