LDC embraces wind propulsion with world’s largest suction sails on MV Atlantic Orchard
LDC expects the wind-assisted technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 10%, depending on the vessel’s trading routes.
SPAIN – Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has taken a significant step toward maritime decarbonization by installing four 26-meter-high eSAILs®, the world’s largest suction sails, onboard the MV Atlantic Orchard, a specialized juice carrier.
In collaboration with Wisby Tankers AB (the vessel’s owner) and Spanish wind propulsion pioneer bound4blue, LDC expects the wind-assisted technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 10%, depending on the vessel’s trading routes.
The project aligns with LDC’s commitment to shaping a low-carbon maritime industry. The eSAILs®, installed during a scheduled 10-year survey stop at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain, were mounted in less than a day per unit.
The installation process was streamlined, utilizing the vessel’s existing structural features. The sails replaced four former deck cranes, minimising downtime while maximizing operational efficiency.
The Atlantic Orchard, built in 2014 and converted from a dry bulk vessel in 2020, is now better positioned to comply with upcoming European regulations including FuelEU Maritime, the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
The vessel will also benefit from the Wind Reward Factor, which incentivizes the use of wind propulsion under EU legislation.
Sébastien Landerretche, LDC’s Global Head of Freight, emphasized the importance of this milestone.
“Reflecting LDC’s journey to help shape a low-carbon maritime industry, and thanks to bound4blue’s unique technology as well as Wisby Tankers’ collaboration, we are excited about this significant first step. This voyage represents a new milestone in our Group’s long history in shipping.”
The selection of bound4blue’s eSAILs® followed a rigorous evaluation by LDC’s decarbonisation team, supported by expert third-party assessments from Lloyd’s Register. bound4blue’s fully autonomous, DNV Type Approved sails were chosen for their maturity, mechanical simplicity, and adaptability to a wide range of vessel types.
José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and Co-founder of bound4blue, emphasized the project’s role in demonstrating the system’s adaptability:
“eSAILs® offer a straightforward, proven, and profitable route to greener operations, even for specialized vessels like juice carriers. This project is a model of coordination and integration, with sails replacing existing deck cranes and full programming completed in a single yard visit.”
“We are thrilled to work with visionary companies like LDC. This installation highlights how even specialized ships like juice carriers can adopt proven wind propulsion solutions quickly and cost-effectively,” he added.
LDC’s move signals growing momentum within the shipping sector for wind-assisted propulsion. The company plans to evaluate the technology’s performance during its upcoming crossing to Brazil, with further routes to follow. Insights gained will inform future decarbonization strategies and possibly broader fleet adoption.
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