bound4blue completes eSAIL® installation on groundbreaking South Pacific multipurpose vessel
Multipurpose vessel, known locally in French Polynesia as a “goelette”, will provide a vital transport link between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands.
First known multipurpose vessel worldwide to adopt a Wind Propulsion System (WPS).
bound4blue has completed the installation of a 22-metre-high eSAIL® onboard the innovative newbuild multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, marking a major milestone for both the vessel owner, Société de Navigation des Australes SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company, and the wider adoption of wind propulsion technology.
Multipurpose cargo vessels in French Polynesia are commonly known as “goelettes”, a reference to the schooners that historically supplied remote islands under sail. Na Hiro E Pae is the first known multipurpose vessel worldwide to adopt a wind propulsion system, linking this maritime heritage with modern shipping through bound4blue’s eSAIL® technology.
The installation was carried out at Astilleros Armon Vigo, Spain, prior to the vessel delivery. Today, Na Hiro E Pae operates between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, transporting passengers, food supplies and general cargo, providing a vital maritime lifeline for local communities.
Sustainable focus
The project represents an industry first in many respects, for both the shipowner and bound4blue.
Na Hiro E Pae delivers a rare mix of passenger comfort, with capacity for up to 200 passengers, alongside an essential and affordable transport link for students, families and workers, and cargo efficiency, supporting fast loading and unloading operations for up to 1,500 tonnes of vital supplies for the South Pacific archipelago, making the project especially meaningful for the region.
In addition, bound4blue’s mechanically simple suction sail, producing up to seven times the propulsive force of a standard rigid sail of the same size, slots into a ‘green technology mix’ that includes engines capable of running on biofuel or e-fuel, electric POD propulsion, efficient waste management, and autonomy in fresh water supply. The development marks the first time an advanced Wind Propulsion System (WPS) has been installed on a multipurpose vessel of this kind, as well as the first time such technology has been deployed in the region.
It is, says José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, “a significant step forward” in the roll-out of wind power.
Meeting demands
Bermúdez comments: “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 optimise environmental and commercial performance. We hope Na Hiro E Pae leads the way for other ambitious shipping companies keen to unlock sustainable advantages.”
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