Klaveness to install bound4blue suction sails

Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) is to install two eSAIL® systems developed by Spanish wind sail propulsion firm, bound4blue (b4b), on a new combination carrier on order in China.

A subsidiary of the Norwegian bulk shipping company, Cabu III, is to have a third combination carrier in a series of vessels under construction in China equipped with two of the largest sails that b4b has supplied so far. The 24m-high sails fall into the company’s Model 3 series which range from 24m to 36m in height and are 6m wide compared with 4.5m on Series 2 sails. They will be fitted at the bow of the vessel to enable effective port operations, the company said. 

KCC, through its subsidiary Cabu III, has entered into a contract with Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co Ltd and Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co Ltd. It is the firm’s first newbuilding deal in China and is also the first contract involving wind assisted propulsion technology on a combination carrier.

KCC’s choice of wind power system followed a study of different sail technologies. The b4b eSAILs were found to be the most efficient for the vessel and the routes on which it will operate.

The eSAIL installation will constitute another step in KCC’s drive to reduce carbon emission by 45% across its fleet by the end of this decade, compared with 2018. The Norwegian owner has committed USD 32 million in different energy efficiency measures so far. These are expected to save 15% in fuel and emissions from its vessels built since 2015.

KCC-CEO, Engebret Dahm, commented on the deal. “We are excited to partner up with bound4blue on its journey of exploring and utilising innovative wind assisted propulsion solutions on our fleet. This technology has large potential for reducing carbon emissions and is expected to become an important lever for the industry to reach its decarbonisation targets.”

Speaking for the wind sail developer, co-founder and CTO, David Ferrer, said: “We’re thrilled to sign this new agreement with a shipowner of the standing of KCC. This is a landmark contract for us in many respects, becoming not only the largest eSAIL the world has seen, but also our first newbuild project in China. It will give KCC a proven, autonomous, and operationally efficient solution. We look forward to partnering with the KCC team as they help lead the ‘wind revolution’ in this key shipping segment.”