Odfjell’s chemical tanker Bow Olympus is preparing to depart EDR Antwerp Shipyard equipped with four 22-metre eSAILs®—marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards decarbonisation. The 49,000 DWT vessel will now navigate towards the Atlantic, where its performance under wind-assisted propulsion will be monitored in real-time.
Tailored Engineering for Tanker Compatibility
The installation marks the culmination of a complex process tailored to the unique structural demands of a chemical tanker. The deck of Bow Olympus—characterised by extensive piping for multiple cargo tanks—posed design challenges, particularly with regard to air draft limitations and operational integration. In partnership with wind propulsion specialists bound4blue, and with contributions from Royal Roos and EDR Antwerp Shipyard, the team developed a bespoke solution. The coordinated installation process was completed in just two days, ensuring minimal disruption to the vessel’s operational schedule.
The installation was done on March 10-11 at the EDR shipyard in Antwerp.
Harnessing Wind Power to Drive Emissions Reductions
The newly installed eSAILs®, standing 22 metres tall, are expected to deliver measurable fuel savings and improved energy efficiency during long-haul voyages. This deployment aligns with Odfjell’s core decarbonisation strategy, as the company seeks to validate predicted performance metrics through comprehensive data analysis on the vessel’s transatlantic crossing.
“This five-year-old vessel is embarking on what we might call her second maiden voyage,” said Erik Hjortland, vice president technology at Odfjell. “With each nautical mile, we’ll gain valuable insights into the real-world impact of wind-assisted propulsion on fuel consumption and emissions. The results will play a key role in guiding future investments.”
Captain Glenn Skjelbred and his crew are joined by representatives from Odfjell’s Technology department and bound4blue to oversee the voyage. The crew has undergone dedicated training on the operational and navigational dynamics introduced by the sails, ensuring seamless integration with the vessel’s routine operations.
Maximising Efficiency with Minimal Energy Loss
Hjortland highlighted the broader context of energy efficiency in shipping: “Alternative fuels like green ammonia and methanol require substantial amounts of electricity—up to 5,500 terawatt hours annually. Factoring in the energy losses from production to propulsion, it becomes clear that wind, used directly and locally, presents a much more efficient solution. The eSAILs® allow us to harness this energy with minimal loss, which is why this technology holds such strong potential.”
Strategic Insights for Future Fleets
The installation of the eSAIL® system follows an extensive evaluation, including an in-depth study conducted by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. bound4blue’s autonomous sail system, which generates propulsion through controlled airflow over an aerodynamic surface, was selected for its operational efficiency, ease of integration, and regulatory advantages.
“Working with Odfjell, we tailored the eSAIL® solution to meet the specific requirements of their vessel,” noted David Ferrer, CTO at bound4blue. “Our technology’s mechanical simplicity meant that non-EX-proof units could be used even within ATEX zones, reducing both installation time and capital expenditure.”
Regulatory and Environmental Benefits
The installation supports Odfjell’s wider efforts to reduce emissions, which have already achieved a 53 percent cut in carbon intensity compared to 2008 levels—the equivalent of removing 21 zero-emission vessels from the fleet. In addition to environmental gains, wind-assisted propulsion qualifies for regulatory incentives such as the Wind Reward Factor under FuelEU Maritime, and contributes positively to EU ETS performance and CII ratings.
With the Bow Olympus project now underway, Odfjell is poised to assess the commercial, operational, and environmental viability of expanding wind propulsion across its fleet—potentially setting the course for the next generation of sustainable chemical tankers.
