Validation of Wind Propulsion System by Lloyd’s Register: A Game Changer for Shipowners

bound4blue has received validation from Lloyd’s Register for its methodology in calculating the force matrix of its wind propulsion system. This methodology will assist shipowners in determining Pwind, which is the propulsive power available from wind-assisted propulsion systems, in accordance with regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and the IMO’s EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) and EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index).

With the EEXI/EEDI regulations, shipowners can deduct Pwind from the required engine power. Under FuelEU Maritime, Pwind contributes to the Wind Reward Factor, which can influence greenhouse gas targets and compliance costs. The validation allows shipowners to assess the regulatory impact of bound4blue’s suction sail technology without needing full-scale trials, providing a compliant method to quantify the contribution of wind-assisted propulsion systems to environmental compliance.

The methodology employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations supported by wind tunnel testing. The first application of this validated approach involves the installation of four bound4blue eSAILs on the juice carrier MV Atlantic Orchard, which is chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company and owned by Wisby Tankers.

Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, LR Advisory ship performance manager, emphasized the importance of this validation as the maritime industry strives for ambitious decarbonization targets, ensuring that investments align with evolving regulatory expectations. LR’s assessment confirms that the methodology meets IMO requirements, addressing both sail-to-sail and ship-to-sail aerodynamic interactions to create an installation-specific force matrix, with LR serving as the independent verifier.

Although force matrices must be generated for each vessel and configuration, bound4blue stated that the validated methodology can be applied across projects using the same CFD-based approach, enabling verified Pwind values for new eSAIL installations and supporting compliance processes.

David Ferrer, bound4blue‘s chief technical officer and co-founder, noted that the validation not only confirms the accuracy of their performance assessments but also ensures immediate applicability for compliance with critical environmental regulations. The company has seen increased interest in wind propulsion since the introduction of FuelEU Maritime, which includes a Wind Reward Factor that can ease targets for relevant vessels. Recent orders have come from Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine, Klaveness Combination Carriers, and Eastern Pacific Shipping, with technology available for both new builds and retrofits across various vessel types.

In August, LR launched LR Ports Advisory to assist ports in addressing complex challenges, offering strategic advice on risk management, performance optimization, investment planning, energy transition, and asset management amid pressures from geopolitics, sustainability, security, and technology.