bound4blue Installs eSAIL on World's First Wind-Propelled Multipurpose Vessel

bound4blue has completed the installation of a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the newbuild multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, marking the first known vessel of its kind to adopt wind propulsion. Operating between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, the vessel provides a vital lifeline transporting up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo. The single eSAIL is expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 10 percent while forming part of a wider green technology package on the South Pacific vessel.

 

Details of the Installation

 

bound4blue has completed a significant wind propulsion installation. The company fitted a 22-metre-high eSAIL onboard the newbuild vessel Na Hiro E Pae. This marks a major milestone for the vessel owner and for wind propulsion adoption. The vessel owner is the SNA Tuha'a Pae Shipping Company. The installation represents progress in the broader roll-out of the technology.

The work was carried out at a Spanish shipyard before delivery. The installation took place at Astilleros Armon Vigo in Spain. This occurred prior to the vessel entering service. Completing the fitting before delivery allowed integration during construction. The vessel now operates in its intended South Pacific service.

 

A First for Multipurpose Vessels

 

The vessel represents a notable first in wind propulsion. Na Hiro E Pae is the first known multipurpose vessel worldwide to adopt wind propulsion. Multipurpose cargo vessels in French Polynesia are known as goelettes. This name references the schooners that historically supplied remote islands under sail. The installation links this maritime heritage with modern technology.

The achievement carries technical significance for the sector. Multipurpose vessels have traditionally been seen as challenging for wind power. This is due to the required flexibility of operations and integration demands. The project demonstrates how these challenges can be overcome through collaboration. It marks the first deployment of such technology in the region.

 

The Vessel and Its Service

 

The vessel provides an essential service to remote communities. Na Hiro E Pae operates between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands. It transports passengers, food supplies and general cargo on this route. This makes it a vital maritime lifeline for local communities. The vessel connects isolated islands to the wider region.

The vessel balances passenger and cargo capabilities. It offers capacity for up to 200 passengers with a degree of comfort. This provides an affordable transport link for students, families and workers. It also supports cargo operations for up to 1,500 tonnes of supplies. This combination makes the vessel particularly meaningful for the archipelago.

 

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The eSAIL Technology

 

The eSAIL uses a distinctive approach to wind propulsion. bound4blue's suction sail is mechanically simple in design. It produces up to seven times the propulsive force of a standard rigid sail of the same size. This efficiency makes the technology attractive for demanding applications. The single sail is expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 10 percent.

The sail also improves the vessel's regulatory performance. It helps improve the vessel's EEDI and CII performance measures. These are key metrics for assessing a vessel's environmental efficiency. The eSAIL is designed as an autonomous, non-ATEX unit. It eases engine loads while cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

 

Part of a Wider Green Package

 

The eSAIL forms one element of a broader technology mix. The vessel incorporates engines capable of running on biofuel or e-fuel. Electric POD propulsion is another component of the green package. Efficient waste management and fresh water autonomy complete the mix. Together these technologies aim to optimise environmental and commercial performance.

Company leadership emphasised the value of combining technologies. bound4blue expressed pleasure at being selected alongside complementary solutions. This provides a tangible example of how owners can combine technologies. The company hopes the vessel leads the way for other ambitious shipping companies. The project received earlier support through a French Polynesian Government initiative.

 

bound4blue's Growing Deployment

 

The installation adds to a growing portfolio of eSAIL deployments. The company has now deployed eSAIL systems on 12 ships. A further six vessels remain in its order book. Together these represent more than 50 eSAILs in total. This reflects increasing adoption of the technology across the industry.

The technology delivers a range of benefits to operators. The autonomous units ease engine loads during operation. They cut fuel consumption, delivering up to double-digit savings. They also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the vessel. These combined benefits offer both regulatory and financial advantages.