Suction Sail Installed on Wind-Powered Multipurpose Cargo Vessel

bound4blue has completed the installation of a 22-meter-high eSAIL onboard the newbuild multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, marking the first known instance of a multipurpose cargo ship worldwide adopting a wind propulsion system.

The installation was carried out at Astilleros Armon Vigo in Spain prior to vessel delivery for owner Société de Navigation des Australes SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company. The ship now operates between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, delivering passenger transport alongside general cargo and food supplies. In French Polynesia, these multipurpose vessels are locally known as “goelettes”—a historical nod to the supply schooners that once served the islands under sail.

Designed by Cotenaval, Na Hiro E Pae accommodates up to 200 passengers and up to 1,500 tonnes of vital supplies for the South Pacific archipelago. The single eSAIL is expected to reduce overall energy consumption by approximately 10% while improving the vessel’s EEDI and CII performance ratings. The mechanically simple suction sail produces up to seven times the propulsive force of a standard rigid sail of identical size. It forms part of a broader green technology mix that includes engines capable of running on biofuel or e-fuel, electric POD propulsion, efficient waste management, and autonomous fresh water supply.

Addressing the integration milestone, José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, noted that the project represents “a significant step forward” for wind technology adoption,“Multipurpose vessels have traditionally been seen as a challenging segment for wind power, due to the required flexibility of operations and related integration demands. This project demonstrates how systems suppliers, naval architects, shipowners and other key stakeholders can solve such issues, collaborating closely to empower progress.

“We’re particularly pleased to have been selected alongside so many complementary technologies, providing a tangible example of how owners can combine solutions to optimize environmental and commercial performance. We hope Na Hiro E Pae leads the way for other ambitious shipping companies keen to unlock sustainable advantages.”

The project previously received backing through the French Polynesian Government’s Appel à Manifestation d’Intérêt initiative in recognition of its role in fleet renewal, regional connectivity, and environmental performance.

Boris PIEL technical Director, SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company, comments, “The completion of this installation brings us one step closer to welcoming a new generation of vessel into service for the people of the Austral Islands. Sustainability was a key objective throughout the design process, and the eSAIL® forms an important part of a wider package of technologies that will help us reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, while maintaining the reliable transport services our communities depend upon.

“This project demonstrates that innovation and practicality can go hand in hand. We are proud to be pioneering the use of wind propulsion on a vessel of this type and look forward to seeing the benefits delivered in operation.”

With this deployment, bound4blue has now installed eSAIL systems across twelve ships, with a further six vessels in its order book representing more than 50 eSAILs in total. The autonomous, non-ATEX units ease engine loads, lower fuel consumption, and cut greenhouse gas emissions to deliver regulatory and financial benefits for vessel operators.