DNV approves bound4blue’s largest installed suction sail
Spanish wind propulsion specialist bound4blue has secured a Type Approval Design Certification from classification society DNV for its largest installed suction sail to date.
IMAGE: Combination carrier MV Baltazar equipped with two suction sails. bound4blue
The certification confirms that the sail design meets DNV’s requirements for safety, structural integrity and overall design performance.
The approved unit forms part of bound4blue’s portfolio of wind-assisted propulsion systems developed for larger vessels seeking to maximise wind-derived propulsion. The company’s suction sails are available in heights ranging from 24-36 metres.
The certified sail design has already entered service, with two units installed aboard the DNV-classed newbuild MV Baltazar operated by Klaveness Combination Carriers in April.
The larger sail area enhances lift generation, helping shipowners achieve greater fuel savings, lower emissions and improved compliance with environmental regulations across a broad range of vessel types, according to bound4blue.
Momentum behind wind-assisted propulsion continues to build as shipowners pursue efficiency gains and decarbonisation targets.
Earlier this month, classification society Lloyd's Register and industry partners agreed to develop a 50,000-dwt medium-range tanker incorporating wind-assisted propulsion systems. Separately, classification society Bureau Veritas, South Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding and bound4blue launched a joint project to design an LR1 tanker equipped with wind-assisted propulsion technology.
The global fleet of large commercial vessels fitted with wind-assisted propulsion systems surpassed 100 ships in June, according to the International Windship Association.
By Tuhin Roy
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