bound4blue’s eSAIL gets full DNV type approval

Wind propulsion company bound4blue announced that its eSAIL suction sails have received TADC from DNV, certifying its compliance with the classification society’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) technical standard ST-0511.

The news comes as general cargo vessel Eems Traveller is at Überseebrücke dock in Hamburg for the first days of the SMM trade show. The Dutch-flagged, 2,850 dwt ship has two 17-metre eSAILS installed, and is a venue for press conferences and visits on September 3 and 4.

bound4blue said it expects “accelerated technical due diligence processes” with its customers with the TADC in-hand, simplifying and speeding up the roll out and validation processes. 

David Ferrer, co-founder and CTO said: “Wind has massive potential for the maritime industry, both as a renewable energy source, but also as a tool to enable other alternative fuels. However, some owners and operators, understandably, may not know where to turn in this emerging segment. 

“This approval consolidates our position as a preferred partner, with a proven system, and we aim to leverage it to cement our standing at the vanguard of the coming wind revolution.”

Hasso Hoffmeister, senior principal engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “Wind is an inexhaustible, free, zero carbon energy source, which is receiving increasing attention within the maritime industry. To harness its potential, owners require trusted systems, with validated technical and design compliance, to ensure the highest quality standards.

Related:Wind propulsion regulation lags industry ambition

“Our co-operation with the team at bound4blue has been excellent, and we’re very pleased to award this certification. We look forward to seeing the growth of wind as a green energy source for vessels worldwide, as we work together to make the maritime industry even more sustainable for the generations to come.”

bound4blue said it is undertaking other certification processes, and expects more certifications to follow.