Tailored solutions for tanker operations
The installation took place at the EDR Antwerp Shipyard as the final stage of a thorough process. The deck of a chemical tanker is covered in pipes for the multiple cargo tanks. Integrating the sail foundations required careful planning, and the installation had to be specifically designed to ensure a seamless fit with tanker operations while considering the vessel’s air draft limitations.
Odfjell cooperated with bound4blue, a leader in wind-assisted propulsion technology (WAPS), to ensure that the system could be installed without significant modifications to the vessel. A tailored installation was deployed to accommodate the vessel’s busy schedule, resulting in a time- and cost-effective process. Through an orchestrated coordination between all parties—Odfjell, bound4blue, Royal Roos, and EDR Antwerp Shipyard—the installation was completed in just two days.
Testing novel WAPS technology to move decarbonization needle
The four 22-meter-tall eSAILs® are expected to help the vessel achieve significant fuel savings and further increase energy efficiency during deep-sea voyages.
“The five-year-old vessel will soon embark on what could be called her second maiden voyage—this time, crossing the Atlantic towards Texas with four eSAILs®. Each nautical mile will be thoroughly analyzed in real-time to document the energy-saving effects. The project answers to the core of our decarbonization strategy, and we are eager to see that our calculations and expectations are confirmed”
- VP Technology Erik Hjortland.
Captain Glenn Skjelbred and his crew are joined by a team from Odfjell’s Technology department and bound4blue to experience, train, and learn from this highly anticipated pioneering voyage. The crew has previously attended tailor-made seminars to get insights into how sails affect the ship's movements and maneuvering without impacting the ship’s operations. Now it’s time to see it come to life.
“Solutions such as green ammonia and green methanol for decarbonizing shipping require enormous amounts of electricity—an estimated 5,500 terawatt hours annually. A major challenge we must address in a world where all sectors need renewable electricity, is that the entire process—from green power production to the ship’s propeller—results in an energy loss of around 80 percent, making it poor energy economics,” Hjortland says.
“Sails, on the other hand, harnesses wind power locally and directly, with a much lower energy loss—around ten percent from sail to propeller. This allows the renewable wind energy to be used more efficiently directly on board the ship. It is an elegant use of resources and the main reason why I am so passionate about this solution.”
“The learnings from Bow Olympus will catalyze further decisions as we continue to improve the environmental performance of our current vessels—while also preparing for the next generation of chemical tankers that will be with us till 2050 and beyond.”
The installation was done on March 10-11 at the EDR shipyard in Antwerp.
Expecting commercial, environmental, and regulatory effects
The installation of the eSAIL® system adds to the industry’s growing use of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) to reduce fuel consumption. Odfjell’s decision to implement this specific technology was made after a thorough assessment following a deep-dive study by the RISE research institute.
bound4blue’s fully autonomous sails generate propulsive efficiency by dragging air across an optimized aerodynamic profile. The combination of performance, payback potential, and environmental and regulatory benefits made for a solid solution.
“We worked closely with Odfjell to ensure that the eSAIL® system fully met the operational requirements of their vessel, delivering an efficient installation that integrates seamlessly with the ship’s existing configuration,” says David Ferrer, CTO at bound4blue.
“Installing a WPS on a vessel like this can present challenges due to ATEX zones and air draft limitations. However, the mechanical simplicity of the eSAIL® technology provides an effective solution, enabling the use of non-EX-proof units. This not only reduces CAPEX but also streamlines the installation process. We’re delighted to set sail with Odfjell.”
The eSAILs® on Bow Olympus are expected to contribute to further reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, building on our previous efforts, which have already resulted in a 53% reduction in carbon intensity compared to the 2008 baseline—equivalent to 21 zero-emission vessels.
WAPS also provides regulatory advantages, being the only power source actively rewarded through Fuel EU Maritime (Wind Reward Factor) while helping drive down emissions for EU ETS, and positively impacting CII ratings.
Our experience with this system will show the potential wind energy has as a tool for reducing emissions in the sector. Once results are validated, the plan is to install sails on more vessels.
View from the bridge.
Contacts
Erik Hjortland, VP Technology
Tel: +47 416 96 013
E-mail: erik.hjortland@odfjell.com
Jan A. Opedal, Manager Projects
Tel: +47 951 40 875
E-mail: jan.opedal@odfjell.com
Dana Camps, Head of Marketing
Tel: +34 938 33 73 92
E-mail: press@bound4blue.com
About bound4blue
bound4blue develops automated wind-assisted propulsion systems as a turnkey solution for all shipowners and shipping companies seeking to reduce fuel costs and polluting emissions. bound4blue’s eSAIL® system is a validated solution for saving fuel and emissions, completely autonomous, with low maintenance and easy installation onboard, being the most cost-efficient wind propulsion technology today.
For more information, visit: www.bound4blue.com
