Odfjell is turning operational results into another wind-propulsion investment, ordering four suction sails from bound4blue for a second chemical tanker.
The 49,000 dwt Bow Optima will be fitted with four 22-metre eSAIL® suction sails in China in Q2 2027, following the technology’s installation on sister vessel Bow Olympus in March 2025.
Odfjell says Bow Olympus has delivered 15-20% energy savings in good wind conditions, equivalent to around five tonnes of fuel and 15 tonnes of CO2 saved per day. The company has also recorded fuel consumption reductions of up to 40% during operations.
The repeat order marks a shift from trialling the technology to deploying it on another vessel, with Odfjell saying the results from Bow Olympus have increased its confidence in wind propulsion for selected deep-sea tanker trades.
The company has deployed more than 140 energy-saving devices across its fleet over the past decade and is targeting a 57% reduction in carbon intensity from its 2008 baseline by 2030.
