MAERSK Tankers has announced it will deploy eSail suction sail technology on five of its medium range (MR) vessels as part of a strategy to reduce its environmental footprint.
The eSail suction sail technology is designed by bound4blue, a developer of automated wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).
Maersk Tankers said, with over 240 tankers and gas carriers in operation, it is continually exploring and adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies to create a sustainable fleet.
bound4blue will supply and install the suction sails, while the green technology catalyst Njord will lead the integration, installation, and validation of the systems. Maersk Tankers said the installation marks the largest deployment of eSail technology to date.
The technology will be installed on the vessels Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo during dry dock periods in 2025 and 2026.
Maersk Tankers first introduced WAPS technology to its fleet in 2018 with the installation of rotor sails on Maersk Pelican.
The company said it expects double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel fitted with the technology.
Njord, appointed by Maersk Tankers as their green transition partner for the project, has managed the design and technology selection process end-to-end and will lead the integration and installation of the systems, while also validating the savings.
The eSail works by dragging air across its surface to generate lift and propulsive efficiency, which work to reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions.
Each vessel will be equipped with four 26-meter autonomous eSail systems, which automatically adjust to wind conditions for optimal performance.
Claus Grønborg, chief investment officer at Maersk Tankers said, “For the tanker industry to progress in the energy transition, concrete investments and actions are essential”.
“We are committed to leading by example, continuously adopting advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
“By implementing Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems at scale in our fleet, we enable our customers to meet their sustainability targets, while also advancing the objectives of FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.”
The shipping line said additional initiatives to promote sustainability across its fleet include energy efficiency through analytics-driven tools, investing in energy-saving devices, and exploring alternative marine fuels such as methanol and ammonia.
