Image courtesy: bound4blue
Barcelona, 26 January 2026 – The shipping industry has taken a major step towards decarbonisation as Bound4blue successfully completed its first eSAIL® installation for Maersk Tankers. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the adoption of wind propulsion technology for commercial vessels.
Largest Wind Propulsion Project to Date
Under a landmark agreement signed in late 2024, Bound4blue will supply 20 eSAIL units for five medium-range tankers, making this the company’s largest project to date. The first vessel, Maersk Trieste, has now been fitted with four 24-metre eSAIL suction sails, setting a precedent for large-scale wind-assisted retrofits in the tanker segment.
Efficient Two-Step Installation
The installation process was designed to minimise downtime for the vessel. Initial work at Yiu Lian Shipyard in Shenzhen, China included structural and electrical preparations. Final integration took place at EDR Shipyard in Belgium, where the sails were mounted using a plug-and-play system. This approach demonstrates how wind propulsion can be implemented efficiently, even in complex environments such as ATEX-regulated tankers.
How eSAIL Enhances Performance
Bound4blue’s autonomous suction sails generate lift by drawing air across an optimised aerodynamic surface, producing up to seven times more lift than conventional rigid sails. This translates into double-digit reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, helping shipowners meet stringent regulations under FuelEU Maritime, EEDI/EEXI, and the EU Emissions Trading System.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
“This installation is a turning point for wind propulsion in the tanker industry,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of Bound4blue. “Our technology delivers maximum efficiency with minimal complexity, making it ideal for scaling across different vessel types.”
Claus Grønborg, Chief Investment Officer at Maersk Tankers, added:
“Wind-assisted propulsion enables more energy-efficient voyages for our customers while supporting compliance with evolving environmental regulations.”
Driving Decarbonisation at Scale
The Maersk Trieste project proves that wind propulsion is ready for widespread adoption. Bound4blue’s DNV Type Approved eSAIL systems can be installed on newbuilds or retrofits, offering a cost-effective solution for tankers, bulk carriers, Ro-Ros, and gas carriers. Recent partnerships with Louis Dreyfus Company, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, and BW Epic Kosan further highlight the growing momentum behind wind-assisted shipping.
Looking Ahead
As fuel costs rise and sustainability targets tighten, wind propulsion stands out as a practical, future-proof solution for the maritime sector. The successful installation on Maersk Trieste sets a strong precedent for greener shipping and accelerates the industry’s journey towards net-zero emissions.
