Bound4blue has installed an 18-meter-high electric sail on “La Naumon”, the theatre vessel of the world-renowned La Fura dels Baus and the production company Elipsis Onboard. This rigid sail which comes with an adjustable tilt mechanism as well as an automated control system, is an efficient and cost-effective technology that is in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emissions reduction rules, for example, the upcoming EEXI as well as CII measures.
Jose Miguel Bermudez, the CEO of bound4blue: “Our rigid sails are quick and simple to install. Before the installation, a detailed vessel transformation project is performed and submitted to the Class Society and Flagging State for approval. Later, prior to the installation, the foundation and electrical work is completed. The installation can then be performed afloat, like in the case of “La Naumon”, during a scheduled drydocking or during any port call, as the operation takes less than a day.”
The installation, which has been certified by DNV-GL, was carried out within the context of the GREENing Blue project that is funded through the European Union. The Spanish shipyard Astander has participated in the project leading all the installation phase of the sail and the German company Lanitz Aviation has tested new lightweight materials to be applied in the maritime sector.
Juan Luis Sanchez, Director of Astander: “Reducing CO2 is one of the most ambitious goals for the maritime industry in upcoming years and installing this sail helps ships consume less fuel without losing competitive performance, and therefore, emit less. GREENing the BLUE is the first rigid sail installation project for Astander, and we can highlight that collaborating with bound4blue has been a great opportunity. It has been a great start and we hope to have the opportunity to work on more similar projects with other shipowners.”
