Odfjell to retrofit suction sails on board chemical tanker

The selected suction sail technology – the eSAIL system from bound4blue – is based on the use of a thick aerodynamic profile and smart suction to increase propulsive efficiency, producing seven times more lift than an airplane wing.

Odfjell evaluated various wind-assisted propulsion technologies after SSPA conducted an extensive study of various Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) for the Odfjell fleet. 

Odfjell has actively pursued decarbonization initiatives for many years, and recently documented a 51% improved carbon intensity compared to the 2008 baseline. The deployment of bound4blue’s eSAIL system represents another significant milestone in the company’s implementation of innovative solutions to increase its fleet’s energy efficiency.

“Since 2020, we have been studying sail technologies as a potential energy efficiency measure for our fleet, and we are excited to now take the next step by partnering with bound4blue to implement their pioneering eSAIL system on one of our chemical tankers,” said Jan Opedal, Manager Projects at Odfjell. “This technology has significant potential to reduce emissions by harvesting the energy on the ship itself and transforming it directly into a forward thrust.”

The unnamed chemical tanker will become the first tanker vessel in the world to be equipped with suction sail technology. The installation of the suction sails is expected in 2024.