Challenge

To explore the viability of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) for vessels under its charter, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) commissioned Lloyd’s Register (LR) Advisory to deliver a comprehensive, comparative assessment of leading WAPS technologies. The goal was to evaluate each solution’s performance in terms of fuel and emissions savings, cost-efficiency and ROI.

Solution

LR Advisory assessed five WAPS technologies using consistent performance criteria, analysing their effectiveness under global wind conditions and on trading routes defined by LDC. The study included independently validated supplier simulations and financial assessments, enabling LDC to make data-driven decisions on the most effective and scalable technologies to support its shipping decarbonisation journey.

Approach taken

LR Advisory brought proven expertise in WAPS and advanced in-house simulation capabilities validated against real-world sea trial data. This enabled a cleardefinition of performance-based simulation requirements for each supplier, who then used their proprietary tools to conduct simulations. LR Advisory reviewed these supplier-led results to ensure consistency and comparability,delivering objective, independent recommendations. 

Crucially, this collaborative approach reduced project time and cost by leveraging supplier capabilities while safeguarding intellectual property. It also reinforced LR Advisory’s role as a trusted, impartial technical authority capable of orchestrating complex multi-stakeholder evaluations with transparency and integrity.

Key activities & outputs

LR Advisory conducted a comprehensive performance validation of five 
leading WAPS for LDC. The activities and deliverables included:

  • Development of consistent performance-based simulation requirements for WAPS suppliers to ensure comparability of results
  • Side-by-side performance comparison of five WAPS technologies, evaluated under global wind conditions and specific LDC trading routes
  • Review and assessment of supplier-led simulations using LR Advisory’s independently validated modelling tools
  • Financial modelling and ROI projections for each solution to support investment decisions
  • Independent recommendations based on a rigorous evaluation of technical and economic performance.

This structured, collaborative process enabled LDC to evaluate decarbonisation options efficiently while maintaining supplier confidentiality and minimising project costs.

Key customer benefits

  • LR Advisory’s structured methodology maximised simulation accuracy and minimised project cost and timeline by combining supplier input with validated modelling tools. This ensured a fair, like-for-like assessment of WAPS technologies, providing LDC with high-confidence, data-driven insights tailored to its specific operational profile
  • By identifying the most effective solution, LR Advisory helped reduce ROI uncertainty and mitigate the risk of reputational exposure from underperforming technologies
  • LDC was positioned to make informed, low-risk technology choices aligned with both its decarbonisation objectives and commercial goals.

Project outcome

The project enabled LDC to confidently select bound4blue’s eSAIL® suction sail technology as the most fuel efficient and environmentally beneficial wind-assisted propulsion solution for its chartered vessel operations.

Conclusion

LR Advisory’s wind assist technology supplier evaluation gave LDC the confidence 
to make to make a significant investment in bound4blue’s eSAIL® WASP technology, and demonstrated the value of LR Advisory’s impartial, data-driven evaluation in reducing investment risk and advancing clean technology adoption across the global shipping sector.

Impact on customer's business & operations

As part of its ongoing commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability, LDC has equipped its chartered juice vessel, MV Atlantic Orchard, with four 26-metre-high eSAILs® developed by bound4blue.

This initiative, undertaken in partnership with Wisby Tankers AB (Sweden), is projected to reduce annual fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions by around 10%, supporting LDC’s decarbonisation journey and enhancing the sustainability of its maritime operations.

Other applications

This approach can be applied to all companies who need to understand the viability of WAPS for any vessels other than containerships (but there’s good innovation so might be applicable in the future when GHG regulations further squeeze operational costs), ferries with no deck area, and tugs.

It can also be applied to other Energy Saving Devices, provided they can be simulated (e.g., batteries).

Penalties and impact of non-compliance regarding CII, EU-ETS, FuelEU and IMO NZF regulations can be assessed to strengthen further the ROI.