Odfjell’s Bow Olympus crosses Atlantic with near zero emissions
Bow Olympus passes under the Fred Hartman Bridge in Houston, Texas (Source: bound4blue)
Odfjell’s chemical tanker Bow Olympus is completing a breakthrough transatlantic voyage, combining suction sails and 100% sustainable biofuel to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 85%.
Real-time data shows the vessel meets 2050 Fuel EU Maritime GHG targets today. Four 22-m suction sails have exceeded expectations, delivering 15-20% fuel savings – even up to 40% in favourable conditions. The setup has cut five tonnes of fuel and 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day.
“The results have surpassed our expectations,” said Erik Hjortland, Odfjell’s VP Technology. An AI-based routing system helped optimise wind use, with even light headwinds providing noticeable benefits.
The Bow Olympus bunkered certified sustainable biofuel sourced from waste materials, enabling near net-zero operations without requiring engine modifications. As the vessel reaches Europe, Odfjell has demonstrated that deep-sea shipping can cut emissions significantly with existing technology.
Having already improved carbon intensity by 53% since 2008, Odfjell is targeting a 57% reduction by 2030. The company says that alongside wind propulsion, fuel flexibility will be key to reaching future goals.
“This voyage proves that sustainable deep-sea shipping is not a distant vision – It’s happening right now,” Hjortland added.
