The Danish operator of tanker ships decided to deploy suction sail technology on five of its medium range vessels. The step is in line with its strategic goal to reduce its environmental footprint and amplify sustainable initiatives in maritime transportation. The first retrofitted tanker equipped with a wind-assisted propulsion system will be operational in APR25, with the others to follow until mid-2026.
Leading by example
They look like four chimneys looming 26 meters upwards from the deck of each of Maersk’s five tankers. It is only a small fleet, but the vessels contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, slightly improving the environmental footprint of the Copenhagen-headquartered shipping company. This is emphasized by Claus Grønborg, Chief Investment Officer in Maersk Tankers: “For the tanker industry to progress in the energy transition, concrete investments and actions are essential. At Maersk Tankers, we are committed to leading by example, continuously adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By implementing Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems at scale in our fleet, we enable our customers to meet their sustainability targets, while also advancing the objectives of FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.”
Operating autonomously
The retrofitted vessels will operate predominantly in EU coastal waters, Lars Sprogoe Bentzen, Communications Officer, Maersk Tankers, told CargoForwarder Global.
The wind powered propulsion scheme drags air across its aerodynamic surface to generate lift and propulsive efficiency. The eSAIL systems adapt autonomously to prevailing wind conditions for optimal performance. The technology will be installed on the vessels during dry dock periods. Which shipyard will execute the modifications is not public yet, states Dana Camps, spokesperson of bound4blue. CargoForwarder Global reported.
NJORD has a leading role in the project
Maersk Tankers first introduced WAPS technology to its fleet in 2018, with the installation of rotor sails on the Maersk Pelican. Drawing on its experience with deployment and of WAPS, Maersk Tankers expects double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel. NJORD, a green technology business venture between Cargill, Mitsui and Maersk Tankers, was appointed by Maersk Tankers as its green transition partner for the project. It has managed the design and technology selection process end-to-end and will lead the integration and installation of the systems, while also validating the savings.
Not suitable for box ships
However, so far, only medium range ships and ferry boats have been equipped with WAP Systems.It remains to be seen whether the technology is also suitable for larger tankers or bulk carriers. In any case, container ships are unsuitable as their decks are full of boxes, leaving no room for masts.
For Cantabria, Spain-based wind propulsion systems supplier, bound4blue, it is the largest retrofit contract so far. José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-Founder of the company, describes the Maersk order as a “key milestone”, adding: “The trust Maersk Tankers has placed in our technology, reinforces the proven capabilities of our solution in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.” The turnkey units are expected to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions in a double-digit range per annum.
Double digit fuel and CO2 saving expected
When asked how much in greenhouse gas emissions can be saved per year and per ship through suction sail technology, Dana Camps remains tight-lipped. She states that Maersk does not wish to publish any figures. The same applies to financial aspects, i.e. the cost of retrofitting and when the expenditure is likely to be amortized. Experts assume that even without precise figures, fuel burn and CO2 emissions will annually decrease by a double-digit figure.
So far, bound4blue has installed its eSAIL system on four ships and has signed additional agreements with other shipowners such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Marflet, Louis Dreyfus Company, Marubeni Corporation, Odfjell, Klaveness and SNA TUHA’A PAE, to install the system on their fleets.
Ms. Camps says that more agreements will be inked before the end of this year.
