CMET to supply WindWings for Union Maritime tanker duo

CM Energy Tech (CMET) has been contracted to manufacture WindWings for Union Maritime’s two new LNG dual-fuel long range 2 (LR2) tankers to be built at Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding.

The two vessels, designed by Marine Design & Research Institute of China (MARIC) will each feature two WindWings, a wind propulsion technology developed by UK marine engineering consultancy BAR Technologies.

The two shipsets of WindWings are scheduled to be delivered by CM Energy in the second and third quarters of 2025, respectively.

As the shipping industry continues to respond to new emissions regulations, the demand for wind-assisted propulsion technology has become more prominent. With completion scheduled for 2025, New Yangzi Shipbuilding is to bring these vessels to market and support the industry to decarbonize.

WindWings – a 3-element rigid wing that automatically adjusts its shape to suit the wind conditions – have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with average savings of 1.5 tonnes of fuel and 4.7 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes.

Alongside the significant environmental benefits, the use of wind power and subsequent fuel savings will also bring considerable economic benefits, according to the parties.

“In light of our recent partnership announcement with BAR Technologies, we are thrilled to be collaborating with them and CM Energy to deploy cutting-edge wind technology across our fleet. Having demonstrated significant efficiency gains and on vessels already equipped with WindWings, we look forward to the successful installation and operation of WindWings on our newly built LR2s at New Yangzi Shipbuilding,” Laurent Cadji, Managing Director Union Maritime Ltd, the shipowner and operator, commented.

“Shipping continues to undergo a significant transformation and we recognise the important role that WindWings plays in realising the IMO’s targets. We are dedicated to the decarbonisation of the energy sector and our latest contracts with UML, New Yangzi Shipbuilding and BAR Technologies epitomise this commitment,” Zhan Huafeng, Executive Director and Executive President of CM Energy, said.

“We are delighted that Union Maritime Ltd have selected our new generation design LR2s with WindWings. The collaboration between the owner, designer, builder and innovative WAPS technology provider is a fine example of how we must come together to decarbonize global shipping,” Zhu Jianzhang, Vice President of MARIC, noted.