Wind-Assisted Propulsion System for Your Ship
Given the increasing need for CO2 reduction, driven by measures such as EEXI and CII, it may be important for you, as a shipping company or shipowner, to consider wind-assisted propulsion on your vessel or fleet. An innovative wind-assisted ship propulsion technology offers the possibility of reducing your ship’s CO2 emissions by up to 40%, resulting in significant fuel cost savings. Discover eSAIL: the next-generation wind-assisted propulsion system from our partner, where knowledge from aeronautical science accelerates the energy transition in shipping.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion System for Your Ship
Discover eSAIL: the next-generation wind-assisted propulsion system from our partner, where knowledge from aeronautical science accelerates the energy transition in shipping.
Principle of Operation
The eSAIL, an innovative and cost-effective suction sail designed for ships, utilizes the “boundary layer suction” principle.
Properties
The suction sail seamlessly integrates the benefits of rigid wing sails and rotor sails while mitigating their inherent limitations.
Control System
Advancements in information and control technology have significantly contributed to the development of the suction sail.
In Practice
As an example, a shipping company based in North Holland has installed two 17-meter-high eSAILs on an existing coastal vessel.
Principle of Operation
The eSAIL, an innovative and cost-effective suction sail designed for ships, utilizes the “boundary layer suction” principle. This technique, inspired by aeronautics, affects the boundary layer, resulting in a remarkably high lift/drag coefficient.
What does this mean for you as a shipping company or shipowner in practice? A sail with a relatively smaller size generates up to 6-7 times more lift than its traditional equivalent. This results in significantly lower fuel costs and reduced CO2 emissions for your vessel. The investment in this eco-friendly technology typically sees returns within five years or less.
Properties
The suction sail seamlessly integrates the benefits of rigid wing sails and rotor sails while mitigating their inherent limitations.
In addition to its optimized aerodynamic shape, the wind-assisted propulsion system operates fully autonomously, without mechanical complexity. It is compact and easy to install on both existing and new vessels, offering tilting capability. The connection interface is similar to that of deck cranes. Due to the nearly static operation of the system, powered by simple, durable electric motors and employing minimal and ingenious mechanisms, maintenance costs are relatively low. In many cases, maintenance can also be integrated into the existing dry-docking schedule.
Control System
Advancements in information and control technology have significantly contributed to the development of the suction sail. The unique and advanced automatic control system not only reduces the crew’s reliance but also enables more precise sail control, thereby enhancing energy efficiency to a higher degree.
Properties
The suction sail seamlessly integrates the benefits of rigid wing sails and rotor sails while mitigating their inherent limitations.
Control System
Advancements in information and control technology have significantly contributed to the development of the suction sail.
Variations
Currently, three variants of the wind-assisted propulsion system are available.
Variations
Currently, three variants of the wind-assisted propulsion system are available. Model 1 has a width of 2.85 meters and a height ranging between 12 and 17 meters. This version is suitable for various vessels, including coastal vessels, fishing vessels, dry cargo ships, multipurpose vessels, and feeder ships. If you own, for example, a Handysize, Medium Range, Long Range 1, Panamax, ferry, Roll-on/Roll-off, model 2 might be an interesting choice. With a width of 4.5 meters and a height between 18 and 26 meters, this model provides a suitable solution. For the widest and tallest version, model 3, designed for ships such as Long Range, Aframax, Suezmax, Kamsamax, Capesize, Very Large Crude Carrier/Open Carrier, the width measures 6 meters, and the height varies between 24 and 36 meters. Optionally, all models are also available with tilting capability.
In Practice
As an example, a shipping company based in North Holland has installed two 17-meter-high eSAILs on an existing coastal vessel. A similar wind-assisted propulsion system was already installed on an existing fishing vessel in December 2021 – at that time, it was the largest suction sail ever built and installed on a ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EEXI, and what is its relationship with wind-assisted propulsion systems?
The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is a measure of the energy efficiency of existing ships. The relationship with wind-assisted propulsion lies in the fact that the integration of wind-assisted propulsion systems, such as eSAIL, can have a positive impact on the EEXI rating, enabling ships to comply with international regulations and operate more sustainably.
What is the CII, and what is its relationship with wind-assisted propulsion?
The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is a measure of a ship’s emission intensity, expressed as CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer transported. Wind-assisted propulsion, such as eSAIL, can enhance the CII rating by increasing operational efficiency and optimizing the ecological performance of the vessel.
How can I further contribute to reducing my ship's CO2 footprint, besides using wind-assisted propulsion?
In addition to implementing wind-assisted propulsion, you can further reduce your ship’s CO2 footprint by embracing other energy-efficient technologies. Consider Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), such as a Pre-Duct, Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS), Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF), Twisted Rudder, and Rudder Bulb. These technologies optimize your ship’s propulsion, improving hydrodynamics.