Union Maritime to fit BAR Technologies’ WindWings on LR2 tanker duo

UK shipping company Union Maritime has decided to install WindWings, developed by compatriot design and engineering firm BAR Technologies, on two tankers being built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) in China.

As informed, the two long-range (LR2) tankers will each feature three WindWings, a wind-propulsion technology designed by BAR Technologies to cut CO2 emissions on ships.

The ships will each boast a size of 114,000 dwt and will be classed by classification society Lloyds Register (LR). They are scheduled for delivery in late 2025.

The new solution has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with savings of up to 1.5 tonnes of fuel and around 5 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes, according to BAR Technologies.

Furthermore, WindWings technology operates in conjunction with a route optimization system that adjusts the rigid sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course.

“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,” Laurent Cadji, Managing Director Union Maritime, the shipowner and operator, said.

“We look forward to seeing the WindWings in action on the newbuild vessels and helping UML achieve its sustainability goals,” John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, added.

The milestone agreement closely follows BAR Technologies’ partnership with manufacturing partner CM Energy Tech (CMET), which manages the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings and their installation throughout shipyards in Asia.

Union Maritime has also invested in energy-saving technology, data collection and analysis, and low- or zero-GHG sources, aiming to surpass the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GHG reduction targets.

Union Maritime’s two new LR2 tankers are the latest vessels to adopt BAR Technologies’ WindWings solution, following the installation of the technology onto vessels Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus in the second half of 2023.