Earlier this month,
Bound4blue — a Spanish company that develops automated wind-assisted propulsion systems as a turnkey solution for shipowners — has confirmed that its eSAIL has received a full Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from the ‘leading classification society’ DNV, thereby validating complete compliance with the society’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) technical standard.
With the TADC in place, Bound4blue says it expects ‘accelerated technical due diligence processes with customers’, paving the way for a simpler system roll-out and thereby helping shipowners by removing the burden of individual quality validation, speeding up access to eSAIL and its benefits, which include: reduced fuel consumption and emissions, lower operating expense (OpEx), and simplified compliance with the most stringent regulatory demands.
The eSAIL is a fully autonomous system that works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface, generating a high level of propulsive efficiency. It is said the low weight and easy-to-install units significantly cut main engine loads, fuel use, and emissions. Furthermore, the technology has resulted in contracts with shipowners and operators that include Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Amasus, Marflet, Louis Dreyfus Co, and more.
David Ferrer, Bound4blue’s co-founder and CTO, said: “We have always been focused on developing a technology according to the very highest standards and meeting the most rigorous quality and safety requirements. Receiving the TADC from DNV provides third-party validation of that excellence, quality stamping our system and helping fast-track customer due diligence procedures. We believe this will work to accelerate the adoption process and facilitate further orders.
“Wind has massive potential for the maritime industry, both as a renewable energy source, but also as a tool to enable other alternative fuels. However, some owners and operators, understandably, may not know where to turn in this emerging segment. This approval consolidates our position as a preferred partner, with a proven system, and we aim to leverage it to cement our standing at the vanguard of the coming wind revolution.”
Hasso Hoffmeister, a senior principal engineer at DNV Maritime, added: “Wind is an inexhaustible, free, zero-carbon energy source, which is receiving increasing attention within the maritime industry. To harness its potential, owners require trusted systems, with validated technical and design compliance, to ensure the highest quality standards. DNV, with our world-leading expertise is committed to helping our customers innovate and build confidence in these new technologies on a foundation of trust.”