Eastern Pacific Shipping Installs bound4blue eSAIL® on Pacific Sunstone

[Administrator]

Singapore, 19 March 2026 – Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has successfully completed its second installation of bound4blue eSAIL® wind propulsion technology, marking a major milestone in sustainable shipping. The latest deployment involves three 22-metre-high eSAIL® units installed on the newbuild MR tanker Pacific Sunstone, reinforcing EPS's commitment to maritime decarbonization, fuel efficiency, and green shipping innovation.



The vessel was constructed at New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, China, with the installation seamlessly integrated into the shipbuilding process. This project represents EPS's first newbuild installation of eSAIL® technology, following the successful retrofit of the tanker Pacific Sentinel.



eSAIL® Wind Propulsion: A Game-Changer for Tanker Efficiency

Developed by bound4blue, eSAIL® systems are rapidly gaining traction in the global shipping industry, particularly in the tanker segment. These wind-assisted propulsion systems use suction sail technology to generate aerodynamic lift, delivering up to seven times more efficiency than conventional rigid sails of similar size.

Unlike other wind propulsion solutions, eSAIL® units:

• Require no tilting systems
• Maintain vessel airdraft
• Are non-ATEX compliant, reducing complexity and cost
• Feature a compact footprint for easy integration

This makes them especially suitable for tankers operating in complex, regulated environments, where safety and operational simplicity are critical.

Seamless Newbuild Integration Improves Operational Efficiency

The installation on Pacific Sunstone was designed for plug-and-play integration, with foundations and electrical systems incorporated during construction. The sails were manufactured in Spain and delivered to China for final installation, ensuring a fast, safe, and cost-efficient deployment without structural modifications or delays.

By embedding wind propulsion technology into the vessel from day one, EPS ensures long-term operational efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions.

Proven Fuel Savings and Emissions Reduction

The newbuild installation builds on proven performance data from the earlier retrofit of Pacific Sentinel. A six-month study conducted by EPS and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation demonstrated:

• 8% average net power reduction
• 5.5% net fuel savings
• Peak savings exceeding 20% in favorable wind conditions

These results were achieved even under largely unfavorable wind conditions, highlighting the robust performance and scalability of eSAIL® technology across global shipping routes.

Supporting IMO and EU Decarbonization Regulations

The adoption of wind-assisted propulsion helps shipowners comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations, including:

• Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
• EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
• Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI/EEXI)
• FuelEU Maritime regulations

Through mechanisms like the Wind Reward Factor, eSAIL® systems provide measurable compliance benefits while reducing operational costs. With a typical payback period of less than five years, the technology offers strong ROI for shipowners investing in sustainable shipping solutions.

EPS Expands Commitment to Sustainable Shipping

According to EPS leadership, the decision to install eSAIL® technology on a newbuild vessel was a natural progression following the success of earlier deployments. By collaborating closely with bound4blue and the shipyard, EPS ensured smooth integration while enhancing the vessel's energy efficiency and environmental performance.

This project demonstrates how wind propulsion systems can be scaled across both retrofits and newbuilds, making them a viable solution for a wide range of vessel types, including tankers, bulk carriers, Ro-Ro ships, cruise vessels, and gas carriers.

Growing Adoption of Wind-Assisted Propulsion in Shipping

bound4blue's eSAIL® technology, which has received DNV type approval, is increasingly being adopted by leading global shipowners. Companies such as Odfjell, Maersk Tankers, Klaveness Combination Carriers, and BW Epic Kosan are already leveraging wind propulsion to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Driving the Future of Green Shipping

The successful installation of eSAIL® units on Pacific Sunstone highlights the growing role of wind-assisted propulsion in the future of maritime transport. As the shipping industry accelerates its transition toward net-zero emissions, technologies like eSAIL® offer a practical, scalable, and cost-effective pathway to cleaner operations.

With this latest deployment, Eastern Pacific Shipping continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable shipping, LNG alternatives, and green maritime innovation, setting a benchmark for the global industry.