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GLO Marine is carrying out a feasibility study for the integration of Bound4blue rigid sails as a Wind-Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) retrofit.
The first contracted phase focuses on an LNG carrier, assessing whether the sails can be safely and effectively integrated within the vessel's existing arrangement. Depending on the outcome, the scope may be extended to additional vessel types.
LNG carriers introduce specific integration challenges due to hazardous areas created by gas-tank venting. As the rigid sails incorporate onboard electrical systems, their position must be assessed against these zones to manage potential ignition risks.
At the same time, sail positioning affects bridge visibility, structural requirements and the vessel's power system. The feasibility study therefore needs to consider several interconnected constraints before a final configuration can be selected.
Key considerations include:
The vessel arrangement and operational constraints are assessed to establish suitable options for rigid sail integration.
The interaction between the sail systems and the LNG carrier's hazardous areas is assessed as an early design priority.
Potential visibility obstruction from the sails is evaluated against Class requirements.
Once sail positions and configurations are confirmed, structural requirements can be developed accordingly.
The sail power requirements will be evaluated once the final power-system concept is confirmed.
The feasibility study has been contracted for an LNG carrier, establishing the engineering framework for assessing rigid sail integration within the vessel's existing safety and operational constraints.
The hazardous-area assessment has been completed, while visibility-obstruction analysis and consultation with Class are currently underway.
The final sail configuration and power-system type remain to be confirmed. These decisions will define the subsequent structural reinforcement and energy-analysis scope, with potential extension of the feasibility work to additional vessel types.
