Greek shipowner Laskaridis Shipping signed a joint development project agreement with technology developer bound4blue and classification society Bureau Veritas to assess the integration of eSAILs® across its fleet. The agreement was signed on March 18 at the premises of Laskaridis Shipping in Athens.

“We are proud to pioneer the installation of suction sails onboard Polydefkis,” said Catherine Prifti DPA, HSQE director of Laskaridis Shipping.

“The integration of WASP and specifically with the suction sails technology, is expected to significantly enhance the vessel’s operational performance,” she noted, adding that “Polydefkis is equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry systems and holds Bureau Veritas’ “SMART” class notation.”

The suction sails developed by bound4blue are suitable for both retrofit and newbuild projects. The technology is suited to a wide range of segments.

The framework will examine key aspects, including installation requirements, onboard integration, operation requirements, and independent validation of operational performance.

“Through this JDP approach, the participating parties aim to jointly assess both the technical feasibility and economic viability of the solution, on the Greek owner’s fleet, establishing a clear pathway for informed decision-making and potential deployment of bound4blue eSAILs® on designated vessels,” the statement of bound4blue reads.

“Wind propulsion is a practical way to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and we’re glad to support Laskaridis as they explore how it can play a role across their fleet,” added Henning Steffen, sales director Europe at bound4blue.

The collaboration framework for the Joint Development Project was introduced and facilitated by OCEANKING.