Amasus adds second bound4blue eSAIL® to cargo fleet
Amasus Shipping Enhances Fluvius Tavy with Largest Suction Sail for General Cargo Vessels
Amasus Shipping has successfully installed a 22-meter eSAIL® from bound4blue onto its general cargo vessel, the Fluvius Tavy. This marks the second adoption of bound4blue’s wind propulsion technology by Amasus, following a previous installation on the Eems Traveller, which featured two 17-meter eSAILs®. The recent work was carried out at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain.
The newly fitted eSAIL® is the largest suction sail ever deployed on a general cargo vessel. The initial project on the Eems Traveller demonstrated significant operational and environmental advantages, fostering Amasus’ confidence in further integrating this technology.
bound4blue’s eSAIL® system has received DNV Type Approval and has already been retrofitted by other prominent shipping companies, including Odfjell, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, and Eastern Pacific Shipping. Independent analyses have validated the system’s ability to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during operation.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, highlighted that this installation underscores the increasing practicality and proven efficacy of wind propulsion in the maritime sector. He noted that the Fluvius Tavy project exemplifies both the scalability of suction sails and the strong trust Amasus places in bound4blue’s innovative solution. The company anticipates double-digit reductions in fuel use and CO₂ emissions from this deployment.
The retrofit was seamlessly integrated into the vessel’s scheduled maintenance. Astander Shipyard managed all necessary structural and electrical deck modifications before positioning the fully pre-commissioned sail. Manufactured in Spain by Haizea-Tecnoaranda, the eSAIL® was installed using a plug-and-play methodology.
Amasus Shipping stated that its decision to install a second eSAIL® reflects its high satisfaction with the technology’s performance and straightforward integration. The company specifically pointed out the system’s suitability for short-sea general cargo vessels and expressed gratitude to bound4blue and Astander for a smooth and efficient installation process.
The autonomous eSAIL® utilizes an optimized aerodynamic surface to generate lift by drawing air across it, producing up to seven times more lift than a conventional rigid sail of comparable size. This adaptable technology is suitable for a wide range of vessel types, including tankers, bulk carriers, Ro-Ros, cruise ships, ferries, and gas carriers.