EPS to retrofit suction sails on board oil tanker

The contract – EPS’s first for a wind-assisted propulsion system – will see bound4blue supply three 22-metre eSAILs onboard the 50,000 dwt Pacific Sentinel. The turnkey ‘suction sail’ technology, which drags air across an aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, will be fitted later this year, will help the 183-metre long oil and chemical tanker reduce overall energy consumption by approximately 10%, depending on vessel routing. The contract is the first for bound4blue in Singapore.

Working in tandem with existing propulsion systems on the Pacific Sentinel, the three eSAILs will use an autonomous control system to optimise power and reduce engine load and fuel consumption, with no need for crew input and low maintenance requirements. 

Pacific Sentinel will achieve a ‘wind assisted’ notation from class society ABS once the eSAILs are installed. The technology will help ships to comply with existing and upcoming regulations like improving EEDI and EEXI, enhancing its CII rating, and contributing to saved allowances within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “Wind assisted propulsion is an energy efficiency technology with a significant role to play in helping the global fleet swiftly improve its carbon intensity. As we wait for global alternative fuel infrastructure to mature, utilizing a readily available and truly zero emission solution such as the wind, is a smart move. ABS is proud to support early adopters of this technology such as EPS, who are blazing a trail with this technology for the rest of the industry to follow.