The Spanish start-up Bound4blue has received the full Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from the classification society DNV for its E-Sail.
The certificate issued confirms that the innovative wing sails fully comply with the technical standard of the Classification Society for Wind-assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS).
The fully autonomous system works by drawing air over an aerodynamic surface to generate particularly high propulsion efficiency. The easy-to-install units significantly reduce the load on the main engine, fuel consumption and emissions. Contracts for this concept have already been signed with shipping companies and operators such as Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Amasus, Marflet and Louis Dreyfus Company.
Bound4blue hopes to accelerate the launch
“We have always focused on developing technology to the highest standards and meeting the most stringent quality and safety requirements,” emphasises Ferrer. “The awarding of the TADC by DNV is a third party endorsement of this outstanding achievement, providing our system with a seal of quality and helping to speed up customers’ due diligence processes. We are convinced that this will help accelerate adoption and win more business.”
Wind power has enormous potential for the maritime industry, both as a renewable energy source and as a tool for using other alternative fuels. “However, some owners and operators understandably don’t know where to turn in this emerging segment. This approval cements our position as a preferred partner with a proven system, and we intend to use it to consolidate our position at the forefront of the coming wind revolution.”
Retrofitting the E-Sails and installing them on new builds
The sails improve compliance with existing and future regulations, including improving the CII rating of vessels, increasing EEDI and EEXI, complying with the new FuelEU Maritime and saving allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. According to the company, they are easy to install, simple to operate and maintain – with very few moving parts – and suitable for almost all types of ships. Retrofitting is possible on a large number of ships, but they can also be installed on newbuilds.
