- Wind Propulsion Takes Off on LR2 Tankers with BAR Technologies Deal.
- Union Maritime Orders WindWings for Dual-Fuel LR2 Tankers.
- BAR’s WindWings to Cut Emissions on New LR2 Tankers.
UK-based wind propulsion expert BAR Technologies has just hit a significant milestone by securing an order to outfit two new long-range 2 (LR2) dual-fuel tankers—Suzuka and Long Beach—with its cutting-edge WindWings propulsion system. These vessels will be operated by Union Maritime, another UK shipping company, marking a pioneering step in large-scale wind propulsion for this class of ships, reports Offshore Energy.
Building on Wind Propulsion Success
This decision comes on the heels of a successful installation of WindWings on the UML-operated Brands Hatch, which proved that wind propulsion technology can work effectively on commercial vessels. Each of the new 250-meter-long tankers will boast two 37.5-meter WindWings, reflecting the industry’s growing confidence in wind as a viable tool for decarbonization.
Significant Emissions and Fuel Savings Projected
The WindWings units are set to provide impressive benefits. Each tanker could save around 3 tonnes of fuel daily, translating to roughly 2,300 tonnes of CO₂ reductions each year. That’s like taking over 500 traditional passenger cars off the road!
These tankers are slated to enter service ahead of the IMO’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, giving them a head start on compliance and paving the way for long-term efficiency.
Designed for the Future of Shipping
The vessels are being designed by SDARI and built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI). Steel cutting is scheduled for November 2025, with delivery expected in the first quarter of 2027. Both tankers will be registered under the Marshall Islands and classified by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, ensuring they meet all international safety and performance standards.
Wind Is Now a Proven Solution
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, emphasised the importance of this deployment for wind propulsion in commercial shipping: “Fitting WindWings to tankers of this type breaks new ground for wind propulsion. It proves the technology can scale and slot alongside dual-fuel systems as a serious, practical tool for decarbonising even the most energy-intensive vessel types. Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it’s a proven fuel source that’s ready to deliver real impact today.”
Scaling Wind Propulsion for High-Utilisation Vessels
This deployment on LR2 tankers, which are typically used to transport refined petroleum and chemicals around the globe, represents a significant step forward in the adoption of wind propulsion. It showcases a shift from experimental technology to a more scalable infrastructure for busy shipping routes.
Shougang Shi, Sales Director at CM Energy Tech, the manufacturing partner, added: “This project marks an important step in scaling wind propulsion through advanced manufacturing and we are proud to support one of the first confirmed large-scale deployments on LR2 dual fuel tankers, a critical vessel class in global shipping. By combining BAR Technologies’ aerodynamic design expertise with CM Energy Tech’s production capabilities, we are delivering a high-precision, reliable WindWings system optimised for real-world commercial use. As demand grows, this partnership ensures the technology can be produced and deployed at scale.”
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Source: Offshore Energy
