Spanish merchant fleet first
Marflet Marine (Marflet), one of Spain’s longest standing private shipping companies, has signed a contract with bound4blue for the installation of four 22m eSAILs on the 49,999dwt oil and chemical tanker Santiago I. Agreed as part of Marflet’s ongoing decarbonisation strategy, the installation will enable Santiago I to dramatically reduce conventional fuel use, optimising operating costs and cutting GHG emissions.
Autonomous efficiency
The contract, with installation in mid-2025, makes Marflet the first Spanish merchant fleet owner to adopt a WAP system. It marks a further landmark development for bound4blue’s fully autonomous ‘suction sail’ eSAIL technology, which has recently been selected by other leading industry names including Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company and Odfjell.
Working by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate exceptional propulsive efficiency, the unique system is simple, robust, highly efficient and requires zero operational input from crew.
Sustainable success
“This is a very significant contract for us, not only because Marflet is the first Spanish merchant fleet shipowner to join the wind revolution, but also because with this contract, we consolidate the tanker segment,” comments José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO, bound4blue. “Having Marflet on board is a source of real pride, signifying that more and more shipowners are realising the great potential of wind as a decarbonising force within the industry.
Strong savings
Santiago I, which operates worldwide, will have four ‘model 2’ turnkey eSAIL units fitted, with Spanish engineering specialist Cotenaval taking charge of tasks including designing the sail foundations and electrical installation. The easy installation of the units provided a key selling point for the shipowner, minimizing additional engineering work and limiting downtime when compared to competing emission reduction technologies.
Depending on vessel routing and operations, and according to detailed modelling, Santiago I should save around 10 and 15% of annual energy consumption with the reduced main engine loads.
Santiago I will have four ‘model 2’ turnkey eSAIL units fitted