Spanish wind propulsion firm Bound4blue has received full type approval design certification from DNV for its eSAIL suction sails.
The certificate validates complete compliance with the classification society’s wind-assisted propulsion systems technical standard, demonstrating that Bound4blue’s eSAIL is in line with the industry’s set rules.
During the certificate presentation in Hamburg, Bound4blue co-founder and chief technical officer David Ferrer said: “This proves that our sails are safe based on their [DNV’s] pretty strict standards.
“We are very proud. It basically shows that the work we have been doing has been correct and will help the industry to trust that this technology is safe and it works.”
With the certification in place, Bound4blue expects “accelerated technical due diligence processes” with customers, paving the way for a simpler system roll-out.
Bound4blue indicated that this will aid shipowners, removing the burden of individual quality validation, speeding up access to eSAIL benefits — including reduced fuel consumption and emissions, lower operating expenses and simplified compliance with the most stringent regulatory demands.
The certificate was awarded aboard the Amasus Shipping-owned 2,850-dwt Eems Traveller (built 2000) docked at Port of Hamburg where its eSAILs were on display during SMM 2024 from 3-4 September.
Ferrer said: “This is a very special vessel for us — the first commercial installation, from which we have learned a lot.”
This year’s SMM is the first major maritime event to host a vessel featuring an advanced wind-assisted propulsion system.
The Dutch-flagged, general cargo ship has two 17-metre-high eSAILs at its stern.
Rasmus Stute, DNV area manager for Germany, said: “We have been helping with the safety and the assessment to verify that this does comply with international standards and that the ship can sail with the help of these sails in a safe manner.”
He also explained that part of the certificate is also the control system, to ensure that it is safe and can be controlled under all seagoing conditions. Another part of the certification, Stute jovially added, was that “it is also lightning proof” as the rain poured down during the ceremony.
Stute also highlighted how important this moment was for the maritime energy transition, indicating that it is on everyone’s agenda.
“Every shipping company has to reduce CO2 emissions going forward and with the help of wind-assisted propulsions, such as your system, the industry will make significant steps towards that goal,” he said.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most important building blocks and one of the first steps to take to tackle carbon dioxide.”
In terms of how the suction sails are performing with regard to lower emissions, Ferrer indicated that the company would be publishing the results of their savings “soon”, with Stute affirming that DNV had only verified the sails’ safety and not the performance.
Bound4blue said it is now undertaking other certification processes.
Stute also told TradeWinds that DNV senior principal engineer Hasso Hoffmeister had said to him at the event that “a dream is finally coming true”.
“He’s passionate about sails and passionate about this product,” Stute said as the rain subsided and the sun broke through the clouds to reveal a rainbow.
