- BAR Technologies promotes WindWings® as a proven, zero-emission propulsion solution amid rising uncertainty in IMO climate policy.
- U.S. exits IMO emissions talks, criticizing economic impacts and reliance on unproven fuels.
- CEO John Cooper urges the industry to adopt wind propulsion, citing its scalability and independence from fuel infrastructure.
- Wind propulsion is highlighted as a resilient, cost-effective alternative offering immediate commercial and environmental benefits.
BAR Technologies, a leading innovator in wind propulsion technologies for maritime vessels, has announced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of wind-powered shipping. The move follows the United States’ formal exit from emissions negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) climate talks, as reported by TradeWinds on 8 April.
This withdrawal marks a significant geopolitical shift, with the Trump administration opposing proposed climate-related economic measures, including a greenhouse gas levy and mandatory fuel standards. The U.S. also criticised the IMO’s net zero target as economically harmful and reliant on “unproven fuels”, and warned of possible retaliatory actions against carbon charges imposed on U.S.-flagged ships.
In response, BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper emphasized the urgent need for the shipping sector to rally around readily available and field-tested decarbonization technologies—chief among them wind propulsion.
“This situation only reinforces the need to adopt proven technologies that work today,” said Cooper. “Wind propulsion is zero-emission, abundant, and doesn’t depend on external fuel infrastructure. With our WindWings®, we’ve shown that wind-assisted propulsion is not just a concept—it’s a viable, scalable solution that benefits both the environment and commercial operations.”
WindWings®: Turning Wind into a Primary Propulsion Method
BAR Technologies continues to champion wind as a key pillar of decarbonization, especially in light of volatile fuel markets and fragmented global policies. Their WindWings® system, based on a patented three-element wing design, delivers 2.5x more lift than traditional single-element sails, enabling CO₂ reductions of 4.7 tonnes per day per wing.
Unlike alternative fuel strategies, wind propulsion requires no mining, refining, bunkering, or onboard storage, making it a unique, self-sustaining option for ships traversing global trade routes.
“Wind isn’t just a bridge to cleaner fuels—it can be a primary energy source,” Cooper added. “As regulatory uncertainty grows, wind offers a reliable, inclusive and immediately scalable path forward.”
Call to Action During Ongoing IMO Climate Talks
As the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee continues its deliberations in London, BAR Technologies is urging governments, shipowners, and regulatory bodies to acknowledge wind propulsion as a critical tool in the global shipping sector’s climate strategy.
BAR’s message is clear: in a time of rising geopolitical instability and policy fragmentation, wind propulsion offers operational resilience, commercial value, and immediate emissions reduction—right now.
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Source: Globe Newswire
