Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (2024)

Your challenge may be complex, but the solution doesn’t have to be.

At bound4blue, we have developed a modernized suction sail that turns wind into direct propulsion for your ship.

Our solution enables ship owners and operators to reduce their environmental footprint while cutting fuel costs. Because “good for the planet” can also mean “good for your business”.

  • eSAIL® parts
  • Control system
  • Tilting system
  • Portfolio
  • General arrangement

How WAPS

work

Merchant vessels rely on the thrust delivered by their main engine for propulsion. These engines burn enormous amounts of fuel, resulting in large fuel-bills and pollutant emissions levels.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) take advantage of the available wind to generate clean forward thrust, reducing the engine thrust required and consequently cutting down fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
If WAPS are operated effectively to maximise forwards thrust under any sailing condition, double-digit percentages in fuel and emissions savings can be achieved.

Suction sail

operational principle

The eSAIL® produces six to seven times more lift than a conventional sail or, in other words, it can deliver the same propelling force with six to seven times less surface. All this with minimal power consumption and no mechanical complexity (no inertial loads, vibrations, constant movement, etc.) ensuring simple, safe and reliable operations.
When installed on a vessel, the eSAIL® technology is designed so that its high-lift ability maximises fuel savings in a cost-efficient way.

eSAIL®

parts

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (1)

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (2)

Fuel consumption reduced

up to 40%

Payback

< 5 years

Autonomous operation

No crew needed

1 / 6

Suction fan

The suction fan is a standard axial compressor driven by an electric motor. It is responsible for sucking in the air to ensure the airflow remains attached to the sail.

2 / 6

Suction area

The suction area is a porous area of the skin through which the air is sucked. It is strategically designed and located to ensure airflow remains attached to the eSAIL®with minimal power consumption.

3 / 6

Flap

The geometry of the eSAIL® inverts depending on whether the wind blows from port or starboard. The flap is a movable structure, manufactured using marine-grade materials, that can be positioned on both sides of the eSAIL®, generating the appropriate aerodynamic shape of the eSAIL® and, at the same time, covering the suction area that is not in use. The flap positioning is achieved by means of standard electric motors.

4 / 6

Main structure & Skin

The eSAIL® main structure and skin provide the external aerodynamic shape of the sail and, at the same time bear the loads that affect the eSAIL®. It is manufactured using marine-grade materials and also contains and protects the equipment located inside.

5 / 6

Rotation system

The rotation system ensures that the eSAIL® can rotate and make the most of any existing wind direction. It is based on a standard slew-bearing actuated by an electric motor. This part is very similar to a deck crane.

6 / 6

Flange connection to the deck

The eSAIL® mechanically connects to the vessel by means of a flange, which is secured using bolts. Again, this is a well-known solution, based on standard deck cranes.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (3)

1 / 6

Suction fan

The suction fan is a standard axial compressor driven by an electric motor. It is responsible for sucking in the air to ensure the airflow remains attached to the sail.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (4)

2 / 6

Suction area

The suction area is a porous area of the skin through which the air is sucked. It is strategically designed and located to ensure airflow remains attached to the eSAIL®with minimal power consumption.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (5)

3 / 6

Flap

The geometry of the eSAIL® inverts depending on whether the wind blows from port or starboard. The flap is a movable structure, manufactured using marine-grade materials, that can be positioned on both sides of the eSAIL®, generating the appropriate aerodynamic shape of the eSAIL® and, at the same time, covering the suction area that is not in use. The flap positioning is achieved by means of standard electric motors.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (6)

4 / 6

Main structure & Skin

The eSAIL® main structure and skin provide the external aerodynamic shape of the sail and, at the same time bear the loads that affect the eSAIL®. It is manufactured using marine-grade materials and also contains and protects the equipment located inside.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (7)

5 / 6

Rotation system

The rotation system ensures that the eSAIL® can rotate and make the most of any existing wind direction. It is based on a standard slew-bearing actuated by an electric motor. This part is very similar to a deck crane.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (8)

6 / 6

Flange connection to the deck

The eSAIL® mechanically connects to the vessel by means of a flange, which is secured using bolts. Again, this is a well-known solution, based on standard deck cranes.

Control

system

The eSAIL® is equipped with an autonomous control system that ensures optimal technology operation with zero crew workload or training. Based on the input data received from several sensors, the control system operates the three main trim actions – body rotation, flap position and suction – ensuring maximum fuel savings are achieved while guaranteeing safety.
A touchscreen is located on the bridge to monitor the status and operational parameters of the eSAIL®, also allowing to switch between different operation modes.

Tilting

system

If foldability is required, bound4blue also offers a tilting system to move the eSAIL® from a vertical to a horizontal position. This type of system is only intended to lower the air draft of the vessel in specific situations, as when sailing under bridges or during cargo loading and unloading operations.

Portfolio

eSAIL® model 1

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (9)

Width

2,85 m

Various heights

12-17 m

Automatic control

Yes

Tilting system

Optional

EX Rating

Optional

Example vessels

Fishing vessel, General Cargo, Multipurpose, Feeder

eSAIL® model 2

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (10)

Width

4,5 m

Various heights

18-26 m

Automatic control

Yes

Tilting system

Optional

EX Rating

Optional

Example vessels

Handysize, MR, LR1, Panamax, Ferry, Ro-Ro

eSAIL® model 3

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (11)

Width

6 m

Various heights

24-36 m

Automatic control

Yes

Tilting system

Optional

EX Rating

Optional

Example vessels

LR, Aframax, Suezmax, Kamsarmax, Capesize, VLCC/OC

General

layout

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (12) Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (13)

1 / 5

eSAIL®

The optimum number of eSAILs® – defined during the vessel transformation project – will be positioned on the foundations and their flanges bolted together.

2 / 5

Sensors

Weather sensors, capable of measuring various weather parameters like wind intensity and direction, temperature, and atmospheric pressure, are combined with GPS/inertial sensors capable of giving us several vessel navigation and attitude parameters. Sensor redundancy, as well as data accuracy, is achieved via a multi-sensor architecture.

3 / 5

Main cabinet

The eSAIL® Main cabinet is the central part of the control system. It is located inside the eSAIL® body and contains the main equipment of the system (PLC, motor speed controllers, etc.). The eSAIL® Cabinet is the input for power supply (from the vessel) and it distributes this power to all control system elements.

4 / 5

Cabling

All eSAIL® electronic components are interconnected via a closed Ethernet redundant loop that safely allows the operation of all eSAILs® from the main bridge or any other vessel location.

5 / 5

Touchscreen

The Touchscreent is installed on the vessel’s bridge, allowing simple eSAIL® monitoring by the captain or any other crew member.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (14)

1 / 5

eSAIL®

The optimum number of eSAILs® – defined during the vessel transformation project – will be positioned on the foundations and their flanges bolted together.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (15)

2 / 5

Sensors

Weather sensors, capable of measuring various weather parameters like wind intensity and direction, temperature, and atmospheric pressure, are combined with GPS/inertial sensors capable of giving us several vessel navigation and attitude parameters. Sensor redundancy, as well as data accuracy, is achieved via a multi-sensor architecture.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (16)

3 / 5

Main cabinet

The eSAIL® Main cabinet is the central part of the control system. It is located inside the eSAIL® body and contains the main equipment of the system (PLC, motor speed controllers, etc.). The eSAIL® Cabinet is the input for power supply (from the vessel) and it distributes this power to all control system elements.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (17)

4 / 5

Cabling

All eSAIL® electronic components are interconnected via a closed Ethernet redundant loop that safely allows the operation of all eSAILs® from the main bridge or any other vessel location.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (18)

5 / 5

Touchscreen

The Touchscreent is installed on the vessel’s bridge, allowing simple eSAIL® monitoring by the captain or any other crew member.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems for vessels | bound4blue (2024)

FAQs

What is the wind propulsion system of a ship? ›

Wind propulsion systems are systems that harness the power of wind energy to move a ship. The primary means of doing this is to rig up sails that catch winds and move the ship along the direction of the wind. This is the most direct means of harnessing wind energy. IC engines are now more reliable than ever before.

What are the types of wind assisted propulsion? ›

Wind-assisted propulsion retrofits such as suction sails, rotor sails (including Flettner rotors), rigid and kite sails offer a promising path for the shipping industry to move towards a more sustainable future.

How does an eSAIL work? ›

It is based on a standard slew-bearing actuated by an electric motor. This part is very similar to a deck crane. The eSAIL® mechanically connects to the vessel by means of a flange, which is secured using bolts. Again, this is a well-known solution, based on standard deck cranes.

How does suction sail work? ›

The eSAIL produces six to seven times more lift than a conventional sail, with minimal power consumption. The suction fan is a standard axial compressor driven by an electric motor to support the intake of air via a porous skin composed of marine-grade materials and ensure the airflow remains attached to the sail.

What is the most commonly used propulsion system on ships? ›

Diesel propulsion is the most common system today. It offers greater efficiency than the steam turbine. Gas turbine systems are used mainly in naval ships where the need for speed is critical. Gas turbines are commonly used in combination with other types of engines.

What are the two types of propulsion systems? ›

Biological propulsion systems use an animal's muscles as the power source, and limbs such as wings, fins or legs as the propulsors. A technological system uses an engine or motor as the power source (commonly called a powerplant), and wheels and axles, propellers, or a propulsive nozzle to generate the force.

What are the most efficient propulsion systems? ›

For human-powered aircraft and boats the most efficient propulsion system is the propeller. In the case of boats this may operate in either of the fluids, the water or the air. The present water speed record is held by hydrofoil boats with air propellers (see movie).

What are the 4 principle propulsion systems? ›

We will discuss four principal propulsion systems: the propeller, the turbine (or jet) engine, the ramjet, and the rocket.

What are the 4 wind systems? ›

There are three circulation cells: the Hadley cell nearest the equator, the Ferrel cell in the mid-latitudes, and the polar cell. There are three prevailing wind belts associated with these cells: the trade winds, the prevailing westerlies, and the polar easterlies (Fig. 3.10).

Is eSail worth it? ›

This is very useful in race situations as well as general sailing. These new features are all supported by new tutorials. eSail was launched in 2018 and has a 94% rating. "If you're new to sailing this is a fantastic way to learn at home and brush up skills.

What is the best sailing simulator for beginners? ›

eSail sailing simulator V2 has numerous tutorials, sailing, mooring and anchoring modes, sailing challenges, races, Live Sailing mode, 'Learn Yachting with eSail' tutorials and more. For beginners you learn how to sail a 36′ sailing yacht including raising the sail, tacking, gybing, reefing, mooring and anchoring.

Are there sailing simulators? ›

NED is the world's best sailing simulator for teaching basic understanding of sail trim.

Are rotor sails worth it? ›

About Rotor Sails

Wind power is a safe, sustainable way to propel modern merchant ships. Rotor Sails have demonstrated increased vessel efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, bunker costs and harmful emissions.

Do ships create suction when they sink? ›

However, even with a ship the size of Titanic, the suction created will be so minimal that the only way it would affect you is if you were clinging to her as she sank, allowed her to pull you under for a while, and THEN started swimming for the surface. Cameron's film was accurate on this regard.

How does VentoFoil work? ›

The VentoFoil is a non-rotating suction wing with vents and internal fans. By utilising boundary layer suction, Econowind optimizes thrust generation to its fullest potential. The integration of smart vacuum technology amplifies wind force by fivefold, achieving remarkable efficiency and power.

How does the wind-powered ship work? ›

The articulated fiberglass and metal wings, which stand 123 feet tall, use the force of the wind to create lift and move the ship forward. The wings can be folded on deck in case of unsuitable wind or heavy weather and while in port, where they would interfere with loading and unloading operations.

What is the propulsion system on a cruise ship? ›

Pod Propulsion Systems: Some cruise ships employ pod propulsion systems, which consist of azimuth thrusters housed in pods beneath the hull. These pods can rotate 360 degrees, providing exceptional maneuverability and allowing ships to navigate more easily in tight spaces, such as ports.

What is the main propulsion of the ship? ›

Most modern ships use a reciprocating diesel engine as their prime mover, due to their operating simplicity, robustness and fuel economy compared to most other prime mover mechanisms.

What is the propulsion system of a boat? ›

The three most common types of boat propulsion systems are sterndrive (inboard/outboard drive or I/O), inboard motors, and outboard motors.

References

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