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bound4blue · Project

Automated Wind-Powered Sails to Cut Ship Fuel Costs and Emissions

transportPilotedTRL 7

Imagine adding high-tech, automated wings to a ship that catch the wind like a giant airplane wing. This helps the boat move forward without relying solely on engines. It's like adding a smart sail that does the hard work of steering and adjusting itself to save fuel.

By the numbers
30%
reduction in fuel used in maritime transport
40-60%
fuel share of operation costs
The business problem

What needed solving

Maritime operators face a double crisis: strict new emission regulations and fuel costs that consume 40-60% of their operating budget, especially with expensive low-pollutant fuels.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered manufactured eSAIL units and a fully equipped eSAIL-assisted Ro-Ro vessel.

Audience

Who needs this

Ro-Ro vessel operatorsCommercial fishing fleet ownersPassenger ferry companiesShipbuilders specializing in green retrofits
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Maritime Logistics
enterprise
Target: Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel operator

If you are a vessel operator dealing with rising fuel costs and strict emission laws — this project developed the eSAIL suction-based wingsail that reduces fuel use by up to 30%. This helps lower OPEX and ensures compliance with IMO regulations.

Commercial Fishing
SME
Target: Fishing fleet owner

If you are a fleet owner dealing with high operating costs for smaller vessels — this project developed an affordable suction-based wingsail (eSAIL). It allows smaller ships to use wind energy to cut fuel consumption by up to 30%.

Passenger Transport
mid-size
Target: Ferry company

If you are a ferry operator dealing with the high cost of Marine Gasoil (MGO) — this project developed automated wind-assisted propulsion systems. These systems reduce fuel use by up to 30%, mitigating the impact of fuel prices on your bottom line.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How does this affect operational costs?

Fuel represents 40-60% of operation costs, and the system can reduce fuel use by up to 30%, significantly lowering OPEX.

Is this ready for industrial scale?

Yes, the project focused on improving industrial capabilities for large scale deployment and manufacturing eSAIL units.

What intellectual property is involved?

The company has two patented types of wingsails: a foldable version for restricted spaces and a suction-based eSAIL.

Which regulations does this help meet?

The technology helps vessels comply with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and the European Green Deal goals.

How long did the development take?

The project was executed over an initial 24 months starting March 2022, with a 6-month extension.

Consortium

Who built it

The project is led by a single Spanish SME, Bound 4 Blue SL. With a 100% industry ratio and no university or research partners, the focus is entirely on commercial application, industrial scaling, and direct market deployment.

How to reach the team

Contact Bound 4 Blue SL in Spain for eSAIL installation inquiries.

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to find similar wind-propulsion technologies for your fleet.

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