World's Largest Suction Sails, MV Atlantic Orchard sets world record

May 8, 2025

Barcelona, Spain--Spanish automated wind-assisted propulsion system specialist bound4blue has installed four 26-meter high eSAILs fitted to the MV Atlantic Orchard, chartered by French merchant firm Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Swedish shipping company Wisby Tankers; the four 26-meter high eSAILs® were installed in under a day per unit, as planned, and set the world record for the World's Largest Suction Sails, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Spanish automated wind-assisted propulsion system specialist bound4blue has installed what it claims to be “the world’s largest” suction sails on a vessel. The installation saw four 26-meter high eSAILs fitted to the MV Atlantic Orchard," the Offshore Energy reports.

"Chartered by French merchant firm Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Swedish shipping company Wisby Tankers, the specialized juice carrier had the sails fitted in a single stop already planned for the 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard, Santander, Spain, ensuring optimal efficiency. The four sails were installed in under a day per unit, as planned.

"When sailing, the 2014-built vessel, which was originally a dry bulk vessel before undergoing a conversion in 2020, will now achieve simplified FuelEU Maritime compliance, taking advantage of the Wind Reward Factor, with further CII, EU ETS, and additional regulatory benefits, as per bound4blue."

"Bound4blue has announced the installation of the “largest” suction sails in the world, with four 26m high eSAILs fitted to the MV Atlantic Orchard. The vessel, chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers of Sweden, underwent the installation during a scheduled stop for its ten-year survey at Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain," the Ship Technology reports.

"The MV Atlantic Orchard, originally built as a dry bulk carrier in 2014 and converted in 2020, is now equipped to enhance its compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations.

"The addition of the eSAILs allows the vessel to benefit from the Wind Reward Factor, contributing to improved Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) compliance, along with other regulatory advantages. The anticipated fuel consumption and emission reductions are projected to be around 10%, depending on the trading routes, which may also provide commercial benefits."

"Spanish suction sails developer bound4blue has installed the world’s largest suction sails to the Wisby Tankers-owned, 2014-built Atlantic Orchard juice carrier, currently under charter by Louis Dreyfus. The four 26-meter high eSAILs were installed in under a day per unit during the vessel’s 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard in Spain," the Splash 24/7 reports.

"When sailing, the vessel – originally a dry bulk vessel before undergoing a conversion in 2020 – will now take advantage of the Wind Reward Factor, with further CII, EU ETS, and additional regulatory benefits. Depending on trading routes, the vessel will now benefit from fuel consumption and emission savings, projected to reach around 10%.

"According to the company, bound4blue eSAILs have a typical payback period of less than five years and are suitable for either newbuilds or retrofits of tankers, bulkers, ro-ros, cruise ships, ferries, gas carriers, and general cargo vessels. The suction sails developer recently received orders from shipping companies such as Maersk Tankers, Marflet Marine, Eastern Pacific Shipping, and Klaveness Combination Carriers, amongst others."

"bound4blue is announcing the completion of the installation of the world’s largest suction sails, with four 26-meter high eSAILs® fitted to the MV Atlantic Orchard. Chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers AB, Sweden (Wisby Tankers), the specialized juice carrier had the sails fitted in a single stop already planned for the vessel’s 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard, Santander, Spain, ensuring optimal efficiency," The Maritime Executive reports.

"The four 26-meter high eSAILs® were installed in under a day per unit, as planned. When sailing, the 2014-built vessel, which was originally a dry bulk vessel before undergoing a conversion in 2020, will now enjoy simplified FuelEU Maritime compliance, taking advantage of the Wind Reward Factor, with further CII, EU ETS, and additional regulatory benefits."

Photos: World's Largest Suction Sails, MV Atlantic Orchard sets world record

(1,3) Facebook/bound4blue

(2) bound4blue/Cargo Journal

(4) bound4blue

(5) YouTube/bound4blue