Are the candles back? Everything points to yes, though these will not be traditional candles. They are original engineering designs that can be installed on large merchant ships and even oil tankers. Rough sails help save fuel, a factor that supports adopting this innovation, which also carries a distinctly Spanish influence. National companies are already producing these sails, and Spanish vessels are sailing with them.
Naumon is the name of the ship associated with a theater company connected to Fura dels Baus. The troupe stages itinerant performances aboard this former vessel, which has been repurposed into an artistic workshop. The ship measures 62 meters in length, was launched in 1979, and underwent a major refit in 2020 to fulfill its new artistic role.
Near the bow, a prominent stern sail draws the eye of onlookers who may not grasp the ship’s true propulsion design. This sail, branded as eSAIL by the Spanish company tied4blue, works with a wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) also known as a turbosail.
In truth, the device isn’t a candle in the traditional sense, though it shares some similarities. Inside this solid frame lies a network of electric motors that pull air from the outside when activated. The resulting lift surpasses the drag from the surrounding airflow, producing a highly efficient effect. The system delivers lift up to seven times stronger than a conventional wing, dramatically reducing engine effort and fuel use while lowering emissions.
The practical outcome is a noticeable drop in fuel consumption for the vessel La Naumon. A proprietary portal, Forococheselectricos, estimated that comparing available data from similar ships suggests annual fuel savings of at least 50,000 euros, translating into meaningful reductions in pollution. This assessment reflects real-world potential for substantial environmental and economic benefits when such sails are deployed on comparable ships.
Also a 333-metre Chinese tanker
This propulsion concept is not exclusive to La Naumon. At the end of the previous month, the Chinese oil tanker New Aden, spanning 333 meters in length, was launched with a pair of these stiff sails. Each sail stands about 40 meters tall and covers a total area of 1,200 square meters per sail, marking a striking asymmetry against the vessel’s massive bulk.
The support structure is constructed from carbon fiber composite, chosen for its high strength, light weight, and resistance to the corrosive effects of sea salt. In terms of performance data, the system reportedly yields about a 9.8% saving in fuel consumption at cruising speed, equating to more than 2,900 tons of CO2 avoided annually.
Each sail is managed by an intelligent control system that can lift or retract the sail with the press of a button. The on-board computer autonomously adjusts the sails to optimize performance according to wind and course, enabling crews to streamline operations while reducing fuel burn.
Undoubtedly, the technology shows promise for the shipping industry by cutting operating costs and emissions, while advancing complementary technologies such as electric or hydrogen propulsion for powering large vessels. Although fully powering mega-ships with this approach remains on the horizon, the current momentum suggests a meaningful movement toward more sustainable seafaring as energy markets become unpredictable.
es sail information and project overview. The approach is frequently cited in industry discussions about wind-assisted propulsion.
Environment and maritime technology discussions consider these systems within a broader push toward cleaner oceans and lower fuel costs across global fleets. While widespread adoption will take time and continued innovation, wind-assisted sails offer a practical option that aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and modernize vessel design.