bound4blue Completes eSAIL® Installation on Na Hiro E Pae, World's First Wind-Propelled Multipurpose Vessel

bound4blue has completed the installation of a 22-metre-high eSAIL® onboard the newbuild multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, representing a major milestone for both the vessel's owner — Société de Navigation des Australes (SNA Tuha'a Pae Shipping Company) — and the broader adoption of wind propulsion technology in commercial shipping.

The installation was carried out at Astilleros Armon Vigo in Spain prior to vessel delivery. Na Hiro E Pae now operates between Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, transporting passengers, food supplies, and general cargo, serving as a vital maritime lifeline for local communities.

A Historic First

Multipurpose cargo vessels in French Polynesia are commonly known as "goelettes," a term referencing 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, connecting this maritime heritage with modern shipping through bound4blue's eSAIL® technology.

The vessel delivers a rare combination of passenger comfort and cargo efficiency. It has capacity for up to 200 passengers, providing an essential and affordable transport link for students, families, and workers. Simultaneously, it supports fast loading and unloading operations for up to 1,500 tonnes of vital supplies for the South Pacific archipelago.

Integrated Green Technology Mix

bound4blue's mechanically simple suction sail, which produces up to seven times the propulsive force of a standard rigid sail of the same size, forms part of a broader "green technology mix" aboard the Cotenaval-designed vessel. This suite includes engines capable of running on biofuel or e-fuel, electric POD propulsion, efficient waste management systems, 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 deployment of such technology in the South Pacific region. The single eSAIL® is expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 10%, while also improving the vessel's EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) performance ratings — both mandatory metrics under the IMO's MARPOL Annex VI framework, which requires ships to meet progressively stricter energy-efficiency standards. With international shipping accounting for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the IMO's revised GHG strategy targeting net-zero emissions from shipping by or around 2050, wind-assisted propulsion has drawn growing attention as a fuel-saving measure applicable to both newbuilds and, in some cases, retrofits.

Industry Perspectives

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO and co-founder of bound4blue, described the project as "a significant step forward" in the roll-out of wind power.

"Multipurpose vessels have traditionally been seen as a challenging segment for wind power, due to the required flexibility of operations and related integration demands," Bermúdez said. "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," he added.

Boris Piel, Technical Director at SNA Tuha'a Pae Shipping Company, commented: "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," Piel stated.

Broader Context

The newbuild forms part of a wider effort to modernise maritime transport links serving the Austral Islands while supporting sustainability goals and local economic development. The project previously received backing through the French Polynesian Government's Appel à Manifestation d'Intérêt initiative, which recognised its contribution to fleet renewal, regional connectivity, and environmental performance.

The Na Hiro E Pae installation is the latest in a series of high-profile contracts for bound4blue. The company has now deployed eSAIL® systems on twelve ships, with six additional vessels in its order book, representing more than 50 eSAILs® in total. The autonomous, non-ATEX units are designed to ease engine loads, reduce fuel consumption — delivering up to double-digit savings — and cut greenhouse gas emissions, providing both regulatory and financial benefits to vessel operators.