Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) will install its first-ever wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) on one of its Cabu newbuildings.

The Oslo-listed company has entered into an agreement with Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding and Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding for two bound4blue eSAILs suction sails on its third Cabu III newbuilding.

“We at KCC are excited to partner up with bound4blue on its journey of exploring and utilising innovative wind-assisted propulsion solutions on our fleet.

“This technology has large potential for reducing carbon emissions and is expected to become an important lever for the industry to reach its decarbonisation targets,” KCC chief executive Engebret Dahm said.

The newbuilding will be one of the first tanker/dry bulk vessels to feature bound4blue’s cutting-edge WAPS technology, while the two installed units will also rank as the largest ever suction sails, standing at 24 metres in height, KCC said.

Bound4blue co-founder and chief technology officer David Ferrer said: “This is a landmark contract for us in many respects, becoming not only the largest eSAIL the world has seen, but also our first newbuild project in China.”

The two sails will be fitted to the bow of the vessel to enable efficient port operations.

The Cabu III newbuilding is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.

The installation of sails is a part of KCC’s environmental ambition to cut the carbon intensity of its fleet by more than 45% compared with 2018 by the end of this decade.

The company’s strategy is to build on the trading efficiency of its combination carriers, having a 30% to 40% lower carbon footprint than competing standard vessels, by investing in innovative energy efficiency and operational efficiency measures.

KCC finance chief Liv Dyrnes said: “This is one of the initiatives that will further improve this competitive advantage. The price of alternative fuels will likely be several times higher than what we see today for conventional fuels.

“Consuming as little fuel as possible will have an even greater value in the future.”

KCC has committed $32m to 15 different energy efficiency measures, which are expected to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 15% on its fleet built after 2015.

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