Na Hiro E Pae Becomes World’s First Known Multipurpose Vessel To Adopt Wind Propulsion
Our take
The maritime industry is undergoing a period of rapid, albeit necessary, transformation, driven by escalating pressures to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. The recent installation of an eSAIL® wind propulsion system on the *Na Hiro E Pae*, a multipurpose vessel, marks a significant milestone in this evolution. This vessel’s adoption makes it the world’s first known multipurpose ship to integrate wind propulsion, a development that resonates strongly within the context of broader industry shifts toward alternative fuel sources and technologies. The increasing urgency surrounding decarbonization is evident in related developments, such as the First Container Ship To Run On Brazilian-Made Ethanol Sets Sail From Port Of Santos and China's delivery of its first domestically built, fully electric container vessel China Delivers First Domestically Built Pure-Electric Export Container Vessel, highlighting a global effort to diversify power sources. While events like the tragic sinking of a Vietnamese cargo ship 45 Rescued, 17 Missing After Cargo Ship Sinks In South China Sea underscore the ongoing challenges and vulnerabilities of existing maritime infrastructure, innovations like the eSAIL® system offer a pathway towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The eSAIL® technology, a rotor sail based on the Magnus effect, represents a compelling solution for harnessing wind power to supplement or even replace traditional propulsion methods. Unlike traditional sails, the eSAIL® operates independently of wind direction, offering a consistent and predictable force generation. This is particularly advantageous for multipurpose vessels, which often navigate complex routes and require flexibility in their operational profiles. The 22-meter height of the installed eSAIL® suggests a significant potential for fuel savings and emissions reduction, though validated, longitudinal data from the *Na Hiro E Pae*’s operation will be crucial in establishing the precise impact. The integrated data ecosystem required to manage and optimize such systems—considering factors like weather patterns, vessel speed, and cargo load—is becoming increasingly vital, demonstrating the convergence of maritime operations and advanced data analytics. Accurate, real-time calibration of these systems, alongside rigorous peer-reviewed analysis of performance, will be essential for widespread adoption.
Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, the adoption of wind propulsion technologies like the eSAIL® signals a broader shift in the maritime industry’s approach to innovation. Historically, the sector has been characterized by incremental improvements to existing technologies. However, the urgency of climate change and the increasing cost of traditional fuels are accelerating the adoption of more radical solutions. The *Na Hiro E Pae* serves as a visible demonstration of the viability of wind propulsion for a key vessel type, potentially catalyzing further investment and development in this area. The success of this project will depend not only on the technical performance of the eSAIL® but also on the economic benefits it delivers to the vessel operator—fuel cost savings, reduced emissions penalties, and enhanced brand reputation all contribute to the overall value proposition. Empirical data gathered from the *Na Hiro E Pae* will be invaluable in refining these technologies and demonstrating their commercial potential to a wider audience.
The integration of wind propulsion into existing vessels, as exemplified by the *Na Hiro E Pae*, represents a pragmatic and scalable approach to decarbonizing the maritime sector. While large-scale adoption of alternative fuels like ammonia or hydrogen remains a long-term goal, wind-assisted propulsion offers an immediate and impactful solution. The ongoing refinement and implementation of such technologies will necessitate robust collaboration between ship owners, technology providers, and regulatory bodies, ensuring a coordinated and effective transition toward a more sustainable maritime future. A critical question moving forward is how quickly the industry can validate the performance and economic viability of these systems at scale, and what regulatory frameworks will be needed to incentivize their widespread adoption and ensure their safe and efficient operation.
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
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.”
Built to perform
bound4blue’s single eSAIL® is expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 10%, as well as helping improve the Cotenaval-designed vessel’s EEDI and CII performances.
The newbuild forms part of a broader effort to modernise maritime transport links serving the Austral Islands, while supporting sustainability goals and local economic development. The project previously received support through the French Polynesian Government’s Appel à Manifestation d’Intérêt initiative, recognising its contribution to fleet renewal, regional connectivity and environmental performance.
Practical innovation
Boris PIEL technical Director, SNA Tuha’a Pae Shipping Company, comments: “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.”
The development is in the latest in a series of high profile installations and contracts for bound4blue’s eSAILs®. The company has now deployed eSAIL® systems on twelve ships, with a further six vessels in its order book, representing more than 50 eSAILs® in total. The autonomous, non-ATEX units ease engine loads, cut fuel consumption (delivering up to double digit savings), and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, delivering strong regulatory and financial benefits.
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