The Copenhagen-based shipping company has selected the wind-assisted propulsion system developed by the tech company from Barcelona to be installed on five of its tankers.
Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo will see the installation of altogether 20 eSAIL® 26-metre-tall suction sails during their dry docking in 2025-26. The eSAIL® system is automated, adjusting the sails to the wind conditions for optimal performance.
Njord, appointed by Maersk Tankers as their green transition partner for the project, has managed the design and technology selection process end-to-end and will lead the integration and installation of the systems, while also validating the savings. "Maersk Tankers expect double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel," said the owner-operator of a fleet of 240+ tankers and gas carriers in a press release.
"For the tanker industry to progress in the energy transition, concrete investments and actions are essential. At Maersk Tankers, we are committed to leading by example, continuously adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By implementing wind-assisted propulsion systems at scale in our fleet, we enable our customers to meet their sustainability targets, while also advancing the objectives of FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System," commented Claus Grønborg, Chief Investment Officer, Maersk Tankers.
CEO and Co-founder at bound4blue, José Miguel Bermúdez, added, "The trust Maersk Tankers have placed in our technology reinforces the proven capabilities of our solution in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while contributing to CII [Carbon Intensity Indicator] and FuelEU regulatory compliance. Designed to operate safely in challenging conditions, our system is particularly well-suited for safe, high performing and cost-efficient operation on tankers. We're excited to work alongside Maersk Tankers as they progress in their decarbonization efforts."
The order is bound4blue's biggest to date, with its eSAIL® system set up on four vessels thus far.
Photo: Maersk Tankers