Ship Installs World's Largest Suction Sails That Will Cut Fuel Consumption By 10% While Reducing Pollutant Emissions

Ship Installs World’s Largest Suction Sails That Will Cut Fuel Consumption By 10% While Reducing Pollutant Emissions

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 10/04/2025 at 12:56

A bound4blue instalou com sucesso quatro unidades eSAIL de 26 metros de altura no MV Atlantic Orchard. Créditos da Imagem: bound4blue

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Suction Wings of 85 Feet (Approx. 26 Meters) Are Installed on Ship That Transports Juice and Reduce Fuel Consumption by 10%. Solution Combines Innovation and Sustainability

A specialized ship for transporting juices received a technological innovation that could change the future of maritime transportation. The Spanish company bound4blue successfully installed four suction sails, known as eSAILs, on the MV Atlantic Orchard. Each sail is 26 meters tall. They are the largest of their kind ever mounted on a vessel.

The system, called WAPS (Wind-Assisted Propulsion System), helps the ship move using the wind. This reduces fuel consumption and pollutant gas emissions.

The installation of the four eSAILs took place at the Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain. The process was quick. Each unit was installed in less than a day.

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Efficiency Without Stopping the Ship

The MV Atlantic Orchard is a Swedish-flagged ship. It belongs to the company Wisby Tankers AB and was chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC).

The installation was carefully planned so as not to disrupt the ship’s operations for too long. The sails were placed where there were previously four deck cranes.

According to bound4blue, this technology works well on both new ships and vessels already in operation. It is a reliable and economical solution to make maritime transport more eco-friendly.

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, explained that the sails offer an easy and proven path to more sustainable operations. He stated that this project shows how technology meets customer needs.

“In this case, the units were lifted to positions originally occupied by four deck cranes, with all electrical and structural work, sail preparation, and complete unit programming done in a coordinated visit to the shipyard,” said Bermúdez.

Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions

The MV Atlantic Orchard was built in 2014 as a bulk carrier. In 2020, it was converted for transporting juices. With the new technology installed, the vessel will be aligned with the environmental regulations of FuelEU.

A reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is expected after the suction sails are installed.

Commercial ships often use excess fuel, generating high costs and significant pollution. Systems like WAPS utilize wind to assist in propulsion, reducing the load on the engine and thus fuel consumption.

According to the company’s announcement, the expected savings can reach up to 10%, depending on the commercial route.

Autonomous System, Without Extra Burden on Crew

The system also includes autonomous control technology. This means the crew does not need specialized training or to manually operate the equipment.

The system uses sensors to automatically adjust three factors: body rotation, flap position, and suction level. All this ensures efficiency and safety in operations.

bound4blue has already carried out two other eSAIL installations this year. This was the third. The company reports that this technology can be used on various types of ships, including tankers, general cargo ships, and ro-ro vessels.

Interest Grows Among Industry Companies

The eSAIL systems can also be applied to ferries and bulk carriers, both new and in operation. Interest in this technology is growing. Major companies in the sector, such as Maersk Tankers and Eastern Pacific Shipping, have already placed orders.

The LDC, responsible for chartering the ship, analyzed various technologies to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. After this evaluation, the company chose bound4blue’s system at the end of 2023.

This decision reinforces the industry’s confidence in wind-assisted propulsion as a solution for cleaner transport.

The MV Atlantic Orchard will soon begin its operations with the new suction sails, paving the way for more sustainable innovations in global maritime transport.

With information from Interesting Engineering.

Ship Installs World’s Largest Suction Sails That Will Cut Fuel Consumption By 10% While Reducing Pollutant Emissions

Suction Wings of 85 Feet (Approx. 26 Meters) Are Installed on Ship That Transports Juice and Reduce Fuel Consumption by 10%. Solution Combines Innovation and Sustainability

Efficiency Without Stopping the Ship

Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions

Autonomous System, Without Extra Burden on Crew

Interest Grows Among Industry Companies

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Ship Installs World’s Largest Suction Sails That Will Cut Fuel Consumption By 10% While Reducing Pollutant Emissions

Suction Wings of 85 Feet (Approx. 26 Meters) Are Installed on Ship That Transports Juice and Reduce Fuel Consumption by 10%. Solution Combines Innovation and Sustainability

Efficiency Without Stopping the Ship

Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions

Autonomous System, Without Extra Burden on Crew

Interest Grows Among Industry Companies

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