Tanker owner and operator Union Maritime is planning to fit two new LR2 tankers with the WindWings wind propulsion technology developed by UK design and engineering firm BAR Technologies.
The two vessels, currently being built at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China, will each feature three WindWings. With the shipping industry increasingly embracing wind propulsion technology to enhance ship efficiency and reduce the sector’s CO2 emissions, Union Maritime’s two new long-range tankers are the latest vessels to adopt BAR Technologies’ WindWings solution, following the successful installation of the technology onto the Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus vessels in the second half of 2023.
According to BAR Tech, WindWings have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with potential savings of up to 1.5t of fuel and around 5t of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes. WindWings operate in conjunction with a route optimisation system that adjusts the rigid sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course, without compromising the vessel’s speed.
Union Maritime’s latest vessels underscore its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company has invested in energy-saving technology, data collection and analysis, and low- or zero-GHG sources, aiming to surpass the IMO’s GHG reduction targets.
The agreement closely follows BAR Technologies’ partnership with Hong Kong-based manufacturing partner CM Energy Tech (CMET), with its biggest shareholder being China Merchants Industry Holding, which now manages the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings and their installation throughout shipyards Asia.
The 114,000 dwt LR2 tankers are designed by SWS’s own team and classed by Lloyds Register. They will be delivered in late 2025.
Laurent Cadji, Union Maritime MD said: “We are excited to work with BAR Technologies and CMET on this project, which will enable us to reduce our fuel consumption and emissions significantly. WindWings have increasingly been proven to enhance the performance and efficiency of vessels around the world. We are looking forward to the successful delivery and operation of the WindWings on our newbuild vessels.”
BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper said: “Our latest contract with UML demonstrates the growing demand for our WindWings technology and the benefits it can bring to the maritime industry. We are also proud to partner with CMET, who have the expertise and experience to deliver our WindWings to the highest standards. We look forward to seeing the WindWings in action on the newbuild vessels and helping UML achieve its sustainability goals.”
Zhan Huafeng, Executive Director and Executive President, CM Energy, said: “Our latest collaboration with BAR Technologies and UML on this exciting project marks yet another milestone for the adoption of wind propulsion technology in the shipping sector. We are committed to providing innovative and reliable solutions to our customers and contributing to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.”
Image: Union Maritime aims to build world’s greenest and most efficient LT tankers with WindWings (credit: BAR Technologies)
