BW Epic Kosan lines up LPG carrier for WAP retrofit installation

BW Epic Kosan has signed an agreement with bound4blue for the installation of a 24-m eSAIL suction sail on 2007-built LPG carrier Helena Kosan.

The system is scheduled for installation in 2026, following preparatory work at a planned drydocking next year.

Bound4blue chief executive and co-founder José Miguel Bermúdez said the tanker and LPG market represented an area of growth for the company. He noted the eSAIL system allowed non-explosion proof units to be installed without breaching hazardous area requirements, which removed the need for more costly ATEX-proof solutions, describing the approach as mechanically simple and compact while offering high propulsive efficiency.

According to bound4blue, the DNV type-approved eSAIL generates lift up to seven times greater than rigid sails of the same size by drawing air across an aerodynamic surface.

The company stated this reduces fuel use and emissions while helping owners to comply with EU ETS, CII, FuelEU Maritime, and the proposed IMO GFI framework.

BW Epic Kosan chief executive Jakob Bode said the company had already trialled and adopted several innovations aimed at lowering emissions, including ultrasonic transducers, graphene-based propeller coatings and advanced weather routeing.

He added wind power had been identified as having potential and after evaluation, bound4blue’s eSAIL was chosen. He said the company looked forward to seeing the technology in operation on Helena Kosan from 2026.

The installation will take place in two stages: preparatory work at drydock in 2025, with the unit fitted in 2026.

Bound4blue said its eSAILs are suitable for both newbuilds and retrofits across a wide range of vessel types and typically achieve a payback period of under five years.