Bound4blue Demonstrates Fuel Efficiency with eSAIL Technology on the Ville de Bordeaux Vessel
Bound4blue has presented a strong business case for its eSAIL wind propulsion technology, supported by a new report that highlights significant fuel savings on the Ville de Bordeaux Ro-Ro vessel owned by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA).
Chartered by Airbus, the vessel achieved an average daily fuel saving of 1,7 tonnes, with peaks reaching up to 5,4 tonnes, following the installation of three 22-meter suction sail units in 2024.
Source: bound4blue
Bureau Veritas Solutions (BVS) evaluated the savings over a year, confirming bound4blue’s initial estimates and the results obtained by LDA through real-time measurements and actual weather conditions.
The reported savings for the Ville de Bordeaux, which transports Airbus subassemblies between Europe and the US, were achieved without weather routing and did not account for the regulatory advantages of wind propulsion.
David Ferrer, CTO of bound4blue, expressed excitement about the significant daily savings and impressive peak figures, highlighting the potential of the technology. He noted that these results demonstrate how existing vessels—not just new builds designed for energy efficiency and wind propulsion—can utilize this clean, renewable, and accessible power source for transformative benefits.
The eSAIL technology produces substantial lift, providing greater propulsive force and savings with a smaller surface area compared to traditional rigid sails. This allows for compact installations and easier retrofitting on various types of vessels.
The adaptability of eSAILs to different wind conditions and their suitability for high-speed vessels make them a scalable solution for global shipping routes.
Mathieu Muzeau, managing director of LDA Transport & Logistics, remarked on the rewarding scale of savings achieved through early adoption, noting the improved vessel speed and the simplicity of operation. He looks forward to further fuel savings and reduced emissions in the future.
Recently, bound4blue received validation from DNV for its wind propulsion system force matrix calculation method. This regulation-ready tool enables the assessment of eSAIL technology’s performance, providing shipowners, designers, and shipyards with a way to forecast fuel savings, emissions reductions, and return on investment without the need for full-scale testing.
