bound4blue Installs 22-Metre Suction Sail on Amasus General Cargo Vessel

Key facts

• 22-metre eSAIL® installed on Fluvius Tavy
• Installation completed at Astander Shipyard, Spain
• Second wind propulsion project between bound4blue and Amasus Shipping
• Retrofit completed during scheduled maintenance

Overview
bound4blue and Amasus Shipping have completed the installation of a 22-metre eSAIL® suction sail on the general cargo vessel Fluvius Tavy. The work was carried out at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain, marking the second wind propulsion installation delivered jointly by the two companies.

The project follows an earlier retrofit on Amasus’ Eems Traveller, where two 17-metre eSAILs® were installed. That project was the first application of suction sail technology on a general cargo vessel.

Technology and deployment
The eSAIL® installed on Fluvius Tavy is currently the largest suction sail fitted to a general cargo vessel. The system is based on bound4blue’s DNV Type Approved suction sail technology, which uses airflow over an aerodynamically optimised surface to generate lift.

According to bound4blue, the system is expected to deliver double-digit reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

“Our collaboration with Amasus continues to demonstrate that wind propulsion is gaining broader acceptance as a practical, profitable, and, crucially, a proven solution for an industry in transition,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-founder of bound4blue.

“This installation is particularly noteworthy as it is the largest suction sail ever fitted to a general cargo vessel and, following a previous installation on the Eems Traveller, a very clear endorsement of the value Amasus sees in our technology. We’re delighted to help forward-thinking owners and partners, like Amasus, turn their sustainability ambitions into profitable results.”

Installation process
The retrofit was completed during a single yard stay, aligned with the vessel’s planned maintenance schedule. Structural and electrical modifications were carried out on deck to support the sail foundation. The pre-commissioned unit was then lifted into place using a plug-and-play installation approach.

The eSAIL® unit was manufactured in Spain by Haizea-Tecnoaranda.

Shipowner perspective
Amasus Shipping cited operational performance and integration as key factors behind the decision to proceed with a second installation.

“The decision to install a second eSAIL® reflects how satisfied we are with the performance and how smoothly it has integrated into our day-to-day operations. Our experience with bound4blue’s suction sails highlights their suitability for short-sea general cargo vessels like ours. We’re happy to continue working with bound4blue and would like to thank their team, as well as the yard, for another seamless and efficient Amasus installation. We’re now looking forward to seeing the fuel and emissions savings this new installation will deliver,” the company said.

Wider market adoption
Beyond Amasus, bound4blue’s suction sail systems have also been retrofitted on vessels operated by companies including Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs. The technology is designed for a range of vessel types, including tankers, bulk carriers, Ro-Ro vessels, cruise ships, ferries and gas carriers.