Odfjell Installs wind propulsion on Bow Olympus

Odfjell has taken its first step into wind propulsion by installing four bound4blue eSAILs on the chemical tanker Bow Olympus. The move is part of the company’s strategy to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

The 22m-high suction sails were fitted at EDR Antwerp Shipyard in just two days, thanks to seamless coordination between Odfjell, bound4blue, and the shipyard. A two-step installation process was used, with pedestals added during drydocking in Asia before the sails were lifted into place.

The decision to adopt bound4blue’s fully autonomous eSAILs followed a detailed study by research institute RISE. Odfjell selected the technology for its high performance, regulatory benefits, and ability to operate without ATEX certification on chemical tankers.

“Wind power was the next step,” said Erik Hjortland, VP Technology at Odfjell. “bound4blue’s suction sails have been chosen so we can determine the potential of wind propulsion in the continued work to reduce our emissions. It will be very interesting to start gathering and analysing data on the carbon and fuel savings the Bow Olympus can achieve with the suction sails. That data will be fundamental in informing further decisions, as we continue to improve the environmental performance of our existing vessels, while preparing for future newbuilds that will be with us into and beyond 2050.”