- Union Maritime has secured $130 million in delivery financing for two LNG dual-fuel, wind-assisted LR2 tankers.
- The vessels will feature BAR Technologies’ WindWings, contributing to major fuel and CO₂ reductions.
- These are part of a larger deal involving 34 newbuild vessels fitted with wind propulsion technologies.
UK-based Union Maritime has finalized a $130 million delivery financing agreement for two newbuild long-range (LR2) tankers. The deal was organized through a syndicated facility led by Societe Generale and The Export-Import Bank of China, and was publicly announced on July 29, according to Offshore Energy.
These next-generation tankers are scheduled for delivery in late 2025 and early 2026, marking a major milestone in the company’s transition to greener shipping technologies.
Sustainability Features and Design
The vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel LNG propulsion systems and WindWings, a rigid sail technology developed by UK-based BAR Technologies. This combination is aimed at drastically cutting fuel usage and emissions, positioning the ships as “the most innovative and sustainable LR2 vessels” in operation.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion Rollout
This financing is part of a broader agreement between Union Maritime and BAR Technologies to deploy wind-assisted propulsion on 34 newbuild vessels. The rollout includes:
- 14 LR2 tankers
- 12 chemical tankers
- 8 medium-range (MR) tankers
Pioneering Deployment: Brands Hatch
The collaboration already delivered its first landmark vessel, Brands Hatch, described as the world’s first wind-assisted LR2 tanker.
Key features include:
- Three 37.5-meter WindWings
- Estimated annual fuel savings of 1,200 tonnes
- Annual CO₂ emissions reduction of over 3,800 tonnes
This successful implementation reinforces the potential of combining wind propulsion and LNG dual-fuel systems for sustainable maritime operations.
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Source: Offshore Energy
