Spanish wind-assisted propulsion technology developer bound4blue has signed its first contract with an LPG carrier operator, agreeing to install a 24-metre eSAIL system on a vessel operated by BW Epic Kosan (BWEK).

The autonomous wind propulsion system will be fitted to the 2007-built Helena Kosan in 2026, marking bound4blue's entry into the LPG transportation segment. BWEK, which operates gas carriers globally, is an affiliated company of BW Group.

The eSAIL technology is designed to generate lift up to seven times greater than rigid sails of the same size by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface, according to bound4blue. The system aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while helping vessel operators comply with regulations including EU ETS, Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and FuelEU Maritime.

"The tanker and LPG market is a key growth area for bound4blue, so it's fantastic to agree a contract with the world leader in last-mile delivery of LPG, petrochemicals, and other specialty gases," said José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue.

Bermúdez highlighted the system's design for hazardous cargo vessels, noting that the sail's maintenance door can be positioned above deck level, removing it from hazardous areas. This allows non-explosion proof units to be installed on LPG carriers and other tankers without requiring more complex ATEX-proof solutions.

Jakob Bode, CEO of BWEK, said: "We are committed to investing in proven technology that supports and enables our drive to reduce operational environmental footprints. Wind power was identified as having potential and, after careful studies, bound4blue's eSAIL was selected as the system of choice."

The installation will follow a two-step process, with preparatory work conducted during a scheduled dry docking in 2025 and the system fitted the following year.

BWEK has introduced various technologies to reduce emissions, including ultrasonic transducers, graphene-based propeller coatings, and advanced weather routing. The Singapore-based company also participates in projects to advance green fuel adoption, including ammonia.

bound4blue's client portfolio includes Eastern Pacific Shipping, Maersk Tankers, Odfjell, Klaveness Combination Carriers, and Louis Dreyfus Company. The company claims to have deployed eSAIL systems on seven ships since its first installation in 2021, with 12 more vessels in its order book representing more than 50 eSAILs.

The DNV Type Approved eSAIL system is suitable for both newbuilds and retrofits across vessel segments including tankers, bulkers, ro-ros, cruise ships, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. bound4blue states the technology offers a typical payback period of less than five years.

BWEK operates approximately 50 vessels serving international supply chains throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, providing transportation services for liquefied petroleum gas, petrochemicals, and specialty gases.