Wind propulsion reaches multipurpose vessels

Installed at Astilleros Armon Vigo in Spain before delivery, the vessel is now operating between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, carrying passengers, food supplies and general cargo.

The project represents a significant step in combining traditional maritime heritage with modern decarbonisation technologies, as multipurpose cargo vessels in French Polynesia – known as ‘goelettes’ – trace their origins to sailing schooners that once served the islands.

“Multipurpose vessels have traditionally been seen as a challenging segment for wind power, due to the required flexibility of operations and related integration demands,” said José Miguel Bermúdez, chief executive and co-founder of bound4blue.

“This project demonstrates how systems suppliers, naval architects, shipowners and other key stakeholders can solve such issues, collaborating closely to empower progress.”

The mechanically simple suction sail is expected to reduce the vessel’s energy consumption by around 10% while improving its energy efficiency design index and carbon intensity indicator performance. The eSAIL complements a range of other low-emission technologies onboard, including engines capable of operating on biofuels or e-fuels, electric pod propulsion, efficient waste management systems and onboard freshwater autonomy.

Bermúdez said the installation highlights how multiple technologies can be combined to improve both environmental and commercial performance. “We hope Na Hiro E Pae leads the way for other ambitious shipping companies keen to unlock sustainable advantages,” he said.

Boris Piel, technical director at Société de Navigation des Australes SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company, said sustainability had been central to the vessel’s design. “We are proud to be pioneering the use of wind propulsion on a vessel of this type and look forward to seeing the benefits delivered in operation,” he said.

The installation is the latest milestone for bound4blue, which has now deployed eSAIL systems on 12 vessels, with a further six on order.