Maersk Tankers inks deal for 20 wind-assisted propulsion systems

Maersk Tankers is accelerating its sustainability strategy with the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion systems across its medium-range fleet.

As part of its ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and operational costs, the company will equip five of its tankers with advanced sail technology in 2025 and 2026.

The supplier, bound4blue, will install 20 of its eSAIL systems, marking the largest deployment of this type of technology in the company’s history. The suction sails, approved by leading regulatory bodies, use aerodynamic surfaces to generate lift, enabling double-digit reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Maersk Tankers’ vessels Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport and Maersk Tokyo are set to benefit from this innovation.

In collaboration with green technology consultant Njord, Maersk Tankers assessed multiple wind-assisted propulsion solutions to identify the optimal system for its operations.

The autonomous eSAIL units, described as turnkey solutions, are designed to operate effectively in challenging maritime conditions while ensuring low maintenance and high performance.

A spokesperson for Maersk Tankers noted the alignment of this initiative with the company’s broader decarbonisation efforts and compliance with regulatory frameworks, such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator and FuelEU Maritime standards.

bound4blue views the project as a milestone, reinforcing confidence in its technology’s ability to deliver tangible benefits. The company’s chief executive, José Miguel Bermúdez, noted the partnership with Maersk Tankers underscores the eSAIL’s growing role in shipping’s decarbonisation journey.

This agreement comes during a period of growth for Maersk Tankers, whose managed fleet recently expanded to 240 vessels following the acquisition of Penfield Marine’s tanker pool.