The installation of eSAIL® wind-assisted propulsion on the MR tanker Maersk Trieste marks a decisive shift for wind power in commercial shipping, moving the technology from pilot projects into fleet-scale deployment.
Completed in January 2026, the retrofit is the first operational result of a partnership between Maersk Tankers and Spanish wind-propulsion specialist bound4blue, and places suction sail technology into day-to-day tanker operations rather than controlled trials.
What was installed
The Maersk Trieste has been fitted with four 24-metre-high eSAIL units. Unlike fabric or passive rigid sails, eSAILs use active suction aerodynamics, drawing air across the sail surface via an internal fan system to generate lift and forward thrust.
According to the manufacturer, this configuration can deliver multiple times the lift of a comparable passive wing, allowing the vessel’s main engines to reduce load under favourable wind conditions.
Installation and operational fit
The project followed a phased retrofit strategy to limit off-hire time. Structural and electrical “wind-ready” work was completed at Yiu Lian Shipyard, Shenzhen, with final installation of the sail units carried out at EDR Shipyard, Antwerp.
A key operational feature is that the sails do not require folding or tilting. The system was designed to remain within the vessel’s existing air-draft limits, preserving unrestricted passage under bridges and through canals without additional crew intervention.
Regulatory and efficiency impact
The primary objective is a double-digit reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions on suitable routes. Beyond fuel savings, the installation directly improves the vessel’s CII performance and contributes to compliance under FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS, where wind propulsion qualifies for regulatory incentives via the Wind Reward Factor.
Fleet context
Maersk Trieste is the first of five MR tankers scheduled for the upgrade. Maersk Tankers plans to have 20 eSAIL units in service across its fleet by the end of 2026, including installations on sister vessels such as Maersk Tacoma and Maersk Tokyo.
Bottom line:
This deployment signals that wind-assisted propulsion has crossed a threshold, from experimental decarbonisation concept to bankable, regulation-relevant machinery for mainstream tanker operations.
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