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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
News article15 June 2021European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency

Wind-assisted propulsion technology

Historic milestone reached by the EMFF-funded Aspiring Wingsails project

Picture for eSAIL system

The Spanish SME bound4blue and the Norwegian SME Kyma AS successfully installed their eSAIL® system on the first fishing vessel in the world using wind-assisted propulsion technology. In the framework of the Aspiring Wingsails project, co-funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), the vessel will now set sail for sea trials to validate its fuel saving and emissions reduction potential. 

The aim is to achieve greater energy efficiency, promoting the use of wind power to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions thanks to the rigid 12-metre-high sail which is equipped with an autonomous control system.  A solution able to contribute to the emissions reduction objectives of the EU Green Deal and the International Maritime Organisation.

The eSAIL® is a lightweight, compact technology. The maintenance costs are low and it can be installed on both existing and new ships, with a clear focus on the cargo fleets. 

Aspiring Wingsails and the current sea trials are an important first step towards future installations on larger ships and in different segments, such as tankers, bulk carriers, Ro-Ro or general cargo ships. 

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO of bound4blue, highlighted the contribution of this EU project to realise the company’s vision for the future and the importance of cooperation with institutional and private actors:

“Having active collaboration with shipowners and institutions as catalysts for innovation such as, in this case, ORPAGU and the European Union through their support in the Aspiring Wingsails project, has been absolutely key to making this happen”.

 

 

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