Laskaridis Shipping has signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas to assess the integration of eSAILs® across its fleet
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 18 March at the premises of Laskaridis Shipping in Athens, in the presence of representatives from the participating organisations.
bound4blue’s suction sails – which work by drawing air across an aerodynamically optimised surface to generate exceptional lift – are suitable for both retrofit and newbuild projects. The technology is suited to a wide range of segments. bound4blue’s DNV type approved technology is now the preferred choice of a range of leading global shipowners.
The collaboration framework for the Joint Development Project was introduced and facilitated by OCEANKING, bringing together an innovative technology developer, a forward-thinking shipowner, and a prominent classification society.
The objective of the Joint Development Project is to create a credible, transparent, and technically robust process for evaluating the integration of the technology on Laskaridis’ vessels.
Mrs Catherine Prifti DPA, HSQE Director of Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd., highlighted “we are proud to pioneer the installation of suction sails onboard MV POLYDEFKIS through a Joint Development Project (JDP) in collaboration with bound4blue and Bureau Veritas.
This initiative aligns with our ESG strategy and reflects our commitment to delivering measurable improvements in vessel efficiency. The integration of WASP and specifically with the suction sails technology, is expected to significantly enhance the vessel’s operational performance.
MV POLYDEFKIS is equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry systems and holds Bureau Veritas’ “SMART” class notation, ensuring the collection of accurate and reliable performance data.
Bureau Veritas, a globally recognized and highly respected classification society, will conduct independent and rigorous validation of the vessel’s operational performance improvements.”
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.
Henning Steffen, Sales Director Europe at bound4blue, said:
“We’re looking forward to working with Laskaridis Shipping and Bureau Veritas to define how suction sails can be integrated across their fleet.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.”
“We are pleased and proud that our initiative has led to this significant collaboration, the first of its kind in Greece” said Mr. Costas Hassiotis, OCEANKING CEO “through this JDP, we aim to enhance the credibility of operational performance and strengthen confidence in WASP, while highlighting how synergies among technology providers,shipowners, and classification societies reflect the maritime industry’s commitment tosustainable solutions, such as the eSAILs®, that advance efficiency and support decarbonization objectives.”
Finally, Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President of East Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, India and Africa (EMA), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “We are delighted to support this JDP, which reflects Bureau Veritas’ commitment to enabling safe, reliable and scalable decarbonization solutions. By providing independent expertise, we aim to help ensure that wind propulsion technologies such as eSAILs can be assessed with clarity and confidence, supporting informed decisions for shipowners.
Further details regarding the project and its next stages will be shared as the Joint Development Project progresses.
