Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) is set to outfit its ro-ro vessel, Ville de Bordeaux, with bound4blue’s innovative eSAILs® technology. This wind-assisted propulsion system promises to usher in a new era of eco-friendly maritime transport, potentially slashing up to 1,800 tons of CO2 emissions annually for this vessel.
A Sail Above the Rest
Developed by the Spanish firm bound4blue, the eSAIL® stands as a marvel of engineering, generating six to seven times more lift than conventional rigid sails. It boasts a sail-like vertical surface coupled with an electric-powered air suction system that optimizes airflow, reducing the strain on the ship’s main engines. This groundbreaking technology is set to redefine the dynamics of maritime propulsion.
Setting Sail for the Future
Come early 2024, three towering 22-meter-high eSAILs® will be affixed to the Ville de Bordeaux, embarking on a six-month performance monitoring period. The vessel’s primary duty involves shuttling A320 Family subassemblies from Europe to Mobile, USA, for final assembly. This installation aligns with Airbus’ ambitious pledge to halve CO2 emissions from maritime operations by 2030, relative to 2015 levels.
A Sea Change in Sustainability
According to bound4blue’s estimations, the eSAILs® are poised to deliver monumental fuel and CO2 emissions savings of up to 560 tons and 1,800 tons respectively, annually. This environmentally-conscious initiative is co-funded by the European Union, underscoring the collective effort towards a greener future.
Visionaries Charting the Course
Nicolas Chrétien, Head of Sustainability & Environment at Airbus, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We at Airbus have been studying wind-assisted technologies as a potential energy source for our maritime operations for many years.” This endeavor signifies a significant stride towards more sustainable maritime solutions, reaffirming their commitment to reducing industrial carbon footprints.
Mathieu Muzeau, Transport & Logistic General Manager at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, emphasized the company’s dedication to decarbonizing the shipping industry. He noted, “Wind-assisted propulsion is one of the solutions we believe will help us reach this objective.”
A Landmark Achievement for bound4blue
David Ferrer, CTO of bound4blue, proudly declared, “This deployment will mark the first-ever fixed suction sail installation on a Ro-Ro ship, demonstrating that suction sails can be deployed on ships with high weather deck and large windage area, not compromising the vessel’s stability.”
With this monumental leap, bound4blue, in partnership with industry giants, is steering the maritime industry towards a sustainable horizon.
