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DNV validates bound4blue eSAILs® wind propulsion system

bound4blue has taken a major step forward in simplifying the adoption of wind power worldwide, with DNV validation of its ‘wind propulsion system force matrix’ calculation method. This validation provides ship owners, designers, and yards with a trusted, regulation-ready tool to evaluate the performance of bound4blue’s eSAIL®. The validation gives the industry a reliable tool to easily calculate the benefits of bound4blue’s eSAIL® suction sail technology, without the need for full-scale testing. As such, it can save time and money through providing a clear forecast of the fuel savings, emissions reductions, return on investment, and regulatory benefits for individual vessels. DNV validation of the methodology The validated methodology allows accurate estimation of the thrust generated by eSAILs® The validated methodology allows accurate estimation of the thrust generated by eSAILs® across a wide range of operational scenarios. The DNV validation of the methodology indicates that the results have been produced with a tool that is fully aligned with international rules and standards, and can now be used directly in calculations for key regulatory frameworks, including EEDI, EEXI, and FuelEU Maritime. “This is a crucial development,” says David Ferrer, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder at bound4blue, adding “The validation not only confirms the accuracy of our performance assessments, but also ensures they are immediately applicable for compliance with today’s most important environmental regulations. It simplifies decision-making for stakeholders and removes uncertainty when evaluating wind-assisted propulsion.” bound4blue’s force matrix approach bound4blue’s force matrix approach quantifies the thrust generated by eSAILs® under a full spectrum of wind and sailing conditions. Any individual vessel can be assessed, with trusted results produced through a unique combination of data from wind tunnel tests, CFD simulations and potential flow models (allowing for the analysis of multiple sail configurations and interactions). “We see increased interest in adopting wind power due to the compelling commercial and regulatory benefits of this easily accessible, free and instantly available energy source,” comments David Ferrer, adding “However, some owners, designers and yards can be unsure of where to start and the level of savings possible with leading technology.” Validation reinforces trust in adopting eSAIL® technology The validation also reinforces trust among owners who are already adopting eSAIL® technology David Ferrer continues, “Validation by DNV demonstrates that our calculation methodology is trusted and accurate, allowing us to very simply showcase the robust business case for our market proven, autonomous eSAIL® systems.” The validation also reinforces trust among owners who are already adopting eSAIL® technology. Certified methodology Jan Opedal, Manager Projects at Odfjell, says: “Having a certified methodology behind the performance numbers is essential. With DNV’s validation, we know that the values reported from the installation of eSAILs® on the Bow Olympus can be confidently used for regulatory purposes.” Jan Opedal adds, “This supports decision-making and makes it easier to assess the effect of eSAILs through an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.” Reducing risk, building understanding The mechanically simple, market proven systems are suitable for both retrofit and newbuilds bound4blue’s fully autonomous suction sails are enjoying a surge in market impact, with recent orders placed by companies, such as Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine and Klaveness Combination Carriers, while new installations have been completed for Odfjell, Eastern Pacific Shipping and Louis Dreyfus Company. The mechanically simple, market proven systems are suitable for both retrofit and newbuilds, with easy installation and no operational input needed from vessel crews. Performance benefit claims should be credible, comparable Speaking about the validation process, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), DNV Maritime, states, “As the decarbonisation timeline becomes clearer and regulatory pressure intensifies, we need to ensure that our stakeholders can make confident decisions when adopting energy enhancing technologies. Performance benefit claims should be credible, comparable, and transparent, to accelerate the uptake of greener technologies.” Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria adds, “At DNV we want to make sure that when shipping companies invest in greater sustainability, they can be sure they are making a difference to both their competitiveness and to the environment. That’s why we are pleased to work with technology suppliers like bound4blue who are committed to transparency and independent validation to robust technical standards.” Regulatory rewards Wind propulsion solutions, such as suction sails, are becoming increasingly attractive since the advent of the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Wind is the only power source actively rewarded through the framework, with the Wind Reward Factor effectively relaxing compliance targets for relevant vessels by up to 5%. eSAILs® also create energy efficiency benefits for EEDI and EEXI, reduce emissions and costs relating to EU ETS, and positively impact CII ratings. bound4blue eSAILs® bound4blue eSAILs® have a typical payback period of less than five years and are suitable for either newbuilds or retrofitting across a diverse array of vessel segments. This includes, but is not limited to, tankers, bulkers, Ro-Ros, cruises, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels.

Alisha Fredriksson's impact at Nor-Shipping 2025

Nor-Shipping, in partnership with YoungShip International, has crowned Alisha Fredriksson, CEO and Co-Founder of pioneering carbon capture company Seabound, winner of the Nor-Shipping 2025 Young Entrepreneur Award. Fredriksson collected the accolade yesterday evening in Oslo, triumphing over a high-quality shortlist featuring Kvasir Technologies’ CEO Joachim Bachmann Nielsen, Fabian Fussek, Co-Founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems, and Josephine Le, Founder of The Hood Platform. Fredriksson now joins a prestigious list of former title holders, all of whom were under 40 at the time of winning, such as Cristina Aleixendri of bound4blue, Value Maritime’s Christiaan Nijst, Tor M. Østervold of ECOsubsea, Brim Explorer’s Espen Larsen-Hakkebo and Agnes Árnadóttir, Tuomas Riski of Norsepower, and Boyan Slat of The Ocean Cleanup. Visionary impact Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping, congratulated the Seabound CEO on her achievement, noting: “Alisha represents the very best of the next generation in ocean leadership—visionary, driven, and wholly committed to making a real-world impact." "Her work at Seabound is not only innovative, but deeply aligned with the core Nor-Shipping 2025 theme of #Future-Proof. We’re incredibly proud to recognise her in Nor-Shipping’s 60th anniversary year.” Sustainable and resilient maritime future Erlend Holberg, Secretary General of YoungShip International, adds: “Alisha’s selection is a testament to the impact she’s already made, and the potential she has to shape a more sustainable and resilient maritime future." "The calibre of candidates this year was outstanding, so for Alisha to stand out speak volumes about her achievements. She embodies the type of leadership we need more of - solutions-focused, inclusive, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.” Rapid progress Fredriksson has quickly achieved acclaim within the industry after co-founding Seabound in 2021 Fredriksson has quickly achieved acclaim within the industry after co-founding Seabound in 2021 with the mission to tackle one of maritime’s most pressing decarbonisation challenges - exhaust emissions. Under her leadership, the climate tech company has rapidly developed and deployed onboard carbon capture systems, starting in 2023 with successful sea trials capturing up to 80% of CO₂ emissions on a 3,200 TEU container ship. Transforming vessel emissions In an innovative twist, Seabound has also demonstrated the viability of transforming vessel emissions into solid limestone for reuse. Fredriksson’s work has earned her spots on the Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT Innovators Under 35, and the Women In Change Awards lists. Nor-Shipping 2025 is taking place now in Oslo and Lillestrøm, with a packed activity programme running through to 6 June. More than 50,000 global decision-makers are expected to participate, with around 1,000 exhibiting companies showcasing the very latest innovations, products and services in the maritime and ocean industries.

Nor-Shipping 2025: Pioneering maritime innovations revealed

Nor-Shipping 2025, taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm 2-6 June, has announced the shortlists for two of its most coveted accolades, the Next Generation Ship Award and the Ocean Solutions Award. Celebrating innovations, technologies and pioneering projects capable of balancing both environmental and commercial sustainability, the initiatives attracted a huge number of entries from across the world. Selecting the eventual winners was, according to Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik, “tougher than ever”. Pioneering projects Nor-Shipping’s Next Generation Ship Award champions trail-blazing projects that are either newbuildings under construction, conversions, retrofits, or recent deliveries. This year’s shortlisted entrants are: Windcat Workboats’ Elevation Series CSOVs: Hydrogen-powered, offshore service vessels developed in collaboration with Damen and CMB.TECH. Solvang Shipping’s Clipper Eris retrofit: Carbon capture and storage retrofit on a 21,000m3 ethylene carrier, reducing GHG emissions. NYK’s Sakigake conversion: The world’s first ammonia-fuelled tugboat, converted from LNG fuel to demonstrate low-carbon alternatives. Samskip’s SeaShuttle feeder vessels: Hydrogen fuel cell-powered zero-emission container ships for shortsea routes. Bibby Marine’s eCSOV hybrid vessels: Offshore wind support vessels designed for long-term zero-emission operations. From challenge to opportunity The Ocean Solutions Award, meanwhile, is open to Nor-Shipping participants with landmark innovations capable of helping the industry meet some of its most pressing challenges. As always, the competition was intense, with the expert jury eventually selecting the following shortlisted nominees: Wärtsilä Carbon Capture and Storage: A modular system designed for integration into existing propulsion setups, reducing CO₂ emissions. Zeabuz autonomous ship platform: Pioneering remote and autonomous vessel operations to address crew shortages and enhance safety. Wärtsilä ammonia solution: A full-scale deployment of ammonia as a marine fuel, showcasing safety and operational efficiency. ORCA AI situational awareness: An AI-driven platform enhancing navigational safety through real-time risk detection and data analysis. bound4blue’s eSail system: Innovative ‘suction sail’ wind propulsion solutions cutting fuel consumption, emissions and easing regulatory compliance for a wide range of vessel types. Fierce competition “What a year,” comments Nor-Shipping Director Norvik. “The competition was fiercer than ever, with some outstanding entrants, so getting this far in the awards should be a huge source of pride for all the shortlisted companies and teams." “The evolving nature of the competing fields every time we run these initiatives is a testament to both the progress within the industry and the continued commitment of key stakeholders to build a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient maritime future. We’re proud to support these innovations and can’t wait to see the winners enjoying the spotlight when the shipping world meets next month in Norway!” Winners of the Next Generation Ship Award The winners of the Next Generation Ship Award and Ocean Solution Award will be revealed in front of an audience of key industry decision makers at Nor-Shipping’s Ocean Leadership Conference on 3 June. This year’s Nor-Shipping programme, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the event week, focuses on the theme of #Future-Proof. More than 50,000 decision makers, and around 1,000 exhibiting companies, will attend the unique week-long event.

Insights & Opinions from thought leaders at bound4blue

What are the latest maritime technology trends in decarbonisation?

More than almost any trend, decarbonisation is driving the future of maritime. That reality alone makes decarbonisation the perfect topic for our first-ever Expert Panel Roundtable column. Traditional maritime fuels, like heavy fuel oil, release harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and have adverse health effects. We have to do better, and discussions in the maritime industry centre on which combination of alternative fuels and other technologies can solve the shorter- and longer-term challenges of decarbonisation. For an update on the various approaches, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the latest maritime technology trends in decarbonisation?

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