bound4blue has secured a major contract with Maersk Tankers to supply wind-assisted propulsion systems for five MR tankers. Under the agreement, bound4blue will install 20 of its autonomous eSAILs across the vessels, marking the largest single order for the company’s wind propulsion technology. Installations are planned for 2025 and 2026.
This initiative is part of Maersk Tankers’ sustainability strategy, developed in partnership with green technology advisor Njord, which evaluated multiple wind-assisted propulsion solutions for their environmental and operational impact. The autonomous nature of the eSAILs played a central role in their selection. These units operate independently, harnessing aerodynamic lift to reduce fuel consumption, operational costs, and carbon emissions without requiring manual intervention. The eSAILs are expected to deliver significant reductions in fuel usage and CO2 emissions for each vessel over time.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, highlighted this deal as a “key milestone” for the company. He noted that Maersk Tankers’ commitment underscores the effectiveness of the technology in meeting regulatory requirements while performing reliably in challenging maritime conditions.
The order is one of several recent contracts for bound4blue, which has also secured agreements with prominent shipping companies such as Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, and Louis Dreyfus Company. Founded in 2014, bound4blue specializes in wind-assisted propulsion systems designed to reduce emissions and fuel costs across various ship types, including tankers, bulk carriers, and general cargo vessels.
Photo: bound4blue
