Ship operating and management company Union Maritime is investing in BAR Technologies in a move to deploy wind propulsion technology across its fleet.
As well as a previously-announced contract to fit BAR’s WindWings to two newbuild tankers, the company is working with BAR Technologies’ shareholders on a significant strategic equity investment into the company, reflecting the companies’ long-term commitment and strategic alignment. That process is in its final stages and reflects Union Maritime’s deep commitment both to efficient environmental shipping and to the central role of wind-assisted propulsion in global shipping. Union Maritime’s intention is to deploy wind propulsion on a total of 34 of its newbuild vessels, including 14 LR2 tankers, 12 chemical tankers, and eight MR tankers.
BAR Technologies’ WindWings is a rigid sail technology that uses wind propulsion to deliver average daily savings of 1.5t of fuel per wing with consequent savings of CO2 on typical global routes. This propulsion technology is seen as having huge environmental benefits as well as economic incentive for shipowners and charterers alike in the form of significant reduced fuel costs. Crucially, this is achieved without compromising on speed, efficiency, and quality of service. Union says it is pursuing ambitious sustainability goals, whilst maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.
Wind propulsion is regarded as a central feature of Union Maritime’s wider environmental initiatives: the company is also deploying dual-fuel LNG engines on up to 8 LR2s, working with BAR Technologies on its transformational AeroBridge superstructure which provides further efficiency and crew comfort, as well as various other technologies.
Image: Union Maritime aims to deploy WindWings across 34 newbuild tankers (source: BAR Technologies)
