In a groundbreaking move toward cleaner shipping, Maersk Tankers has signed a major contract with the wind propulsion technology company bound4blue to install eSAIL® suction sails on five of its medium-range (MR) tankers. This order, the largest for bound4blue to date, involves twenty 26-meter eSAILs® set to be installed between 2025 and 2026 across the vessels Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo.
This contract with bound4blue, based in Barcelona, reflects Maersk Tankers’ commitment to sustainable shipping. Each of the tankers is expected to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, aligning with Maersk’s long-term decarbonization strategy. The company aims for the fleet to meet regulatory compliance standards, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the EU’s FuelEU Maritime directive. As global regulations on emissions tighten, the demand for innovative solutions like the eSAIL® system has increased, particularly for companies aiming to reduce both operational costs and environmental impact.
The eSAIL® technology is designed to generate lift by pulling air across its aerodynamic surface, creating a highly efficient propulsion boost for the vessels. These systems operate autonomously, enabling Maersk’s fleet to reduce fuel consumption and cut back on operating costs without requiring additional crew intervention. Once installed, each eSAIL® unit is projected to deliver double-digit percentage reductions in fuel and emissions per vessel, a significant improvement that positions Maersk’s tankers as some of the most efficient in the industry.
This significant contract results from extensive evaluations conducted with Njord, a green technology advisory firm that collaborated with Maersk Tankers to assess a range of wind-assisted propulsion systems. Njord’s rigorous process aimed to pinpoint technologies that would maximize both environmental benefits and commercial returns for Maersk’s future trade routes. Ultimately, the eSAIL® stood out for its combination of performance, safety, and cost-efficiency, particularly under the demanding conditions that tankers frequently face.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, called the agreement a “key milestone” for the company. “The trust Maersk Tankers has placed in our technology reinforces the proven capabilities of our solution in reducing fuel consumption and emissions,” said Bermúdez. “Our system is designed for safe and efficient operation, even in challenging conditions, which is essential for tankers. We’re thrilled to work with Maersk as they advance their decarbonization journey.”
bound4blue’s collaboration with Maersk comes as the company has made substantial headway in the maritime sector this year. Recent clients include industry leaders like Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, and Odfjell, with growing interest from other major operators such as Louis Dreyfus Company. As global maritime operators seek cleaner, more efficient operations, bound4blue’s wind propulsion technology has seen a surge in demand.
This contract not only marks a strategic win for bound4blue but also highlights Maersk Tankers’ proactive approach to environmental responsibility in the shipping industry. By investing in cutting-edge propulsion technology, Maersk Tankers is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable shipping, contributing significantly to the industry-wide push for decarbonization and setting an example for other operators worldwide.
