Odfjell Drilling Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.

Norwegian chapter of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association) recently held its Annual General Meeting in Oslo at the office of law firm Thommessen, with over 50 members attending in person and a record number of proxy votes. Five board positions were elected from a record total of 13 candidates present. Capt. Jaquelyn Burton, EMBA, AFNI, Director of Experience Design at Kongsberg Maritime, was selected as President and is both the first non-Norwegian and Master Mariner to hold the role in the organisation’s 37-year history. Her sailing career spanned 13 years, mainly on LNG, FSRUs and car carriers, latterly as chief officer. Prior roles of Lodden  Maren Lodden of Grieg Maritime Group was selected as Vice President Maren Lodden of Grieg Maritime Group was selected as Vice President, while both Samantha M Digre of Molgas Energy Group and Paloma Menino Drønen of Odfjell Drilling joined for the first time. Agnes Mathiesen was re-elected for a second term, with Sarah Soon Arnhus, Jenny Bettina Malkenes and Michela Sasdelli continuing as board members. Walking the talk on inclusive leadership The elections were historic in that it is the first time WISTA Norway has elected two male board members. Per Martin Tanggaard, who was the first male member of WISTA Norway, and Stian Haugland, who has been a stalwart supporter of its '40 by 30' campaign launched in 2022 as a tool to promote gender balance in maritime leadership, follow in the footsteps of Hans Christian Seim, who was the first and only male board member a few years ago. "Opinions may differ but I truly believe we need men on the board to act not only as advocates but also as active facilitators of opportunities in those spaces where there are few women now. This is crucial to move towards the industry we want to have that is inclusive, respectful and engaging," said Burton. Bringing first-hand seafaring knowledge Haugland is like Burton a Master Mariner, bringing the count of former seafarers on the board to four Haugland is like Burton a Master Mariner, bringing the count of former seafarers on the board to four, including Menino Drønen, who is a former deck officer, and Mathiesen who previously worked as a purser on cruise ships. "I'm proud of the fact that it's likely the most hands-on sailing experience ever represented in WISTA Norway’s leadership," Burton added. On behalf of the association she also extended her gratitude to past President Stine Mundal and Vice President Emilie Falch for their six years of dedicated service, as well as to outgoing board members Therese Landås and Henriette Kästel Bergesen. Breaking stereotypes WISTA Norway events tackle critical industry topics and drive serious discussions to attract the best talent. "People will not be drawn to an industry they cannot see, and they will not stay in an industry that does not include them or provide equal opportunities. Breaking stereotypes is not just important, it is urgent to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for an industry that is vital for world trade," said Burton. "Maritime has to position itself as an exciting and innovative field. Achieving gender balance is not only a moral and ethical imperative, it is a strategic necessity. We have to cultivate a culture that people want to be part of. To be included we must be inclusive." Looking ahead after 'a remarkable year' During 2024, WISTA Norway maintained its strong focus on promoting diversity, education and networking During 2024, WISTA Norway maintained its strong focus on promoting diversity, education and networking. More companies signed up to the '40 by 30' campaign to reach 38 signatories. One hundred and thirty-eight new members joined the association, which now counts 500-plus members, 6% of whom are males. The association now represents around 10% of the global WISTA community of 5,154 individual members across 62 national WISTA entities. Advocacy efforts to the maritime industry The organisation is well-positioned to continue expanding its reach, impact and advocacy efforts to foster a vibrant and inclusive maritime industry. The focus is on building a strong, connected community that drives meaningful change. "Regrettably some companies are choosing to reverse course on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), so for us it is crucial to emphasise that talent exists across all demographics," said Burton. "Extending opportunities, fostering collaboration and demonstrating inclusion through visible competence, networking and high-level knowledge sharing will enable us to build balanced leadership for the future."

bound4blue has consolidated its position at the forefront of shipping’s revolution with a landmark contract with Maersk Tankers. The agreement is the largest wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) agreement for bound4blue to date, with 20 of the company’s type-approved eSAIL® suction sails to be installed on five MR tankers in 2025 and 2026. Turnkey efficiency Maersk Tankers identified the eSAIL® as a solution of choice in partnership with green technology catalyst Njord, who assessed and evaluated a broad range of wind-assisted propulsion systems to ensure optimal environmental and commercial impact on the target project vessels and their expected future trading. Maersk Tankers identified the eSAIL® as a solution of choice in alliance with green technology catalyst Njord The autonomous eSAILs® work by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate lift and exceptional propulsive efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, OPEX and emissions. Four of the turnkey units will be installed on the Maersk Tankers vessels - The Maersk Tacoma, Maersk Tampa, Maersk Tangier, Maersk Teesport, and Maersk Tokyo - and are expected to deliver double-digit percentage reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per vessel. Proven performance José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder at bound4blue, describes the order as a “key milestone”, adding: “The trust Maersk Tankers has placed in our technology reinforces the proven capabilities of our solution in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while contributing to CII and FuelEU regulatory compliance." “Designed to operate safely in challenging conditions, our system is particularly well-suited for safe, high performing and cost-efficient operation on tankers. We’re excited to work alongside Maersk Tankers as they progress in their decarbonisation efforts.” Accelerating adoption The contract marks another high point in a successful year for bound4blue, joining fresh orders from high-profile owners and operators such as Klaveness Combination Carriers, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Odfjell, Marflet Marine, Amasus, and Louis Dreyfus Company, amongst others.