KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)
A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement with the builder of the CABU III newbuildings, Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. and Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, to install its first ever Wind Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) with two bound4blue eSAILs suction sails on the third CABU III newbuilding for delivery in Q3 2026. The newbuild 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 meters in height.
KCC’s decision to install bound4blue's solution resulted from a comprehensive study of alternative sail technologies, where eSAILs were identified as the most efficient choice for the evaluated vessels and trade routes. bound4blue’s eSAILs, known as a suction sail, is an innovative solution taking advantage of the available wind at sea to generate clean forward thrust for the vessel, effectively reducing fuel consumption and emission from the vessels’ main engine.
The two eSAILs will be fitted at the bow of the vessel to enable efficient port operations. The DNV Type Approved solution works by utilizing a fan system to drag air across the sail’s aerodynamically optimized surface, generating propulsive efficiency. eSAILs are available in three model sizes, starting from 12m and ranging up to 36m in height. KCC will be the first shipowner to install the largest unit, the model 3.
The installation of eSAILs is a part of KCC’s environmental ambition to cut the carbon intensity of its fleet by more than 45% compared to 2018 by the end of this decade. KCC’s strategy is to build on its market leading trading efficiency of its combination carriers, having a 30-40% lower carbon footprint than competing standard vessels, by investing in innovative energy efficiency and operational efficiency measures. KCC has to date committed USD 32 million in 15 different energy efficiency measures, which in total are expected to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 15% on its modern fleet built after 2015.
CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers, Engebret Dahm says, “We, at KCC, are excited to partner up with bound4blue on its journey of exploring and utilizing 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 decarbonization targets.”
David Ferrer, co-founder and CTO, bound4blue, comments: “We’re thrilled to sign this new agreement with a shipowner of the standing of KCC. 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. It will give KCC a proven, autonomous, and operationally efficient solution. We look forward to partnering with the KCC team as they help lead the ‘wind revolution’ in this key shipping segment.”
Latest News
Shipping takes major sustainable plastic step with toolkit from MACS
(Posted on 16/07/26)The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has published a series of practical guides to enable... Read more
Shanghai climbs to second as Singapore retains top spot
(Posted on 16/07/26)Shanghai has officially become the world’s second-most prominent shipping hub, according to the... Read more
OceanScore sees growing port adoption of PortView
(Posted on 16/07/26)OceanScore, the maritime data and sustainability company helping shipping and ports turn regulatory... Read more
INTERCARGO highlights progress and priorities in bulk carrier safety
(Posted on 07/07/26)Bulk carrier safety continues to show steady long-term improvement, but the nature of risk facing seafarers... Read more
Norden raises full-year guidance following strong performance in dry cargo
(Posted on 07/07/26)Following stronger than expected operational performance in dry cargo, reduced costs associated with... Read more
Algoma announces refinancing of long-term debt
(Posted on 03/07/26)Algoma Central Corporation, a leading provider of marine transportation services, has announced that... Read more
Global maritime under threat from Fortibleed incident, warns Cydome
(Posted on 03/07/26)Major maritime, ports and energy companies have been identified by Cydome’s threat-intelligence... Read more
Crewing specialist expands global recruitment network with Indonesian seafarers
(Posted on 30/06/26)As the global shipping industry faces mounting concerns over future crew availability, Danica Crewing... Read more
IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz following attack
(Posted on 29/06/26)Following an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman, IMO has decided to temporarily pause its evacuation... Read more
Human cost of keeping world trade moving highlighted on Day of the Seafarer
(Posted on 25/06/26)Leading health and wellness platform OneCare Group is calling on shipping leaders to recognise the immense... Read more
