- Union Maritime’s 114,000 DWT tanker BRANDS HATCH is now the most powerful wind-assisted cargo vessel, equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings®.
- The sails reduce fuel consumption by up to 14.5 tonnes and CO₂ emissions by up to 45 tonnes daily under optimal conditions.
- Lloyd’s Register provided end-to-end classification support, marking a breakthrough in wind propulsion for large ocean-going vessels in China.
Union Maritime Limited’s (UML) newest vessel, BRANDS HATCH, built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS), has officially become the most powerful wind-assisted cargo ship in service. The naming ceremony took place last week at the SWS yard in Shanghai, commemorating a significant milestone in green shipbuilding.
Revolutionary WindWings® Propel Vessel Toward Decarbonisation
The 114,000 DWT vessel is classed by Lloyd’s Register (LR) and outfitted with three 37.5-metre-tall WindWings® developed by UK-based BAR Technologies. These rigid sails feature smart aerodynamic adjustment mechanisms that optimize angle and camber, enabling enhanced thrust and significantly lowering fuel use and emissions. Under ideal wind conditions at 20 knots, the WindWings® system can reduce daily fuel consumption by up to 14.5 tonnes and CO₂ emissions by 45 tonnes. Even in average operational scenarios, the ship is expected to cut annual fuel consumption by 12%, avoiding nearly 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Lloyd’s Register’s Full-Spectrum Technical Support
As the first classification society in China to support wind propulsion on a crude oil tanker, LR played a vital role throughout the project. Its services ranged from Approval in Principle (AiP) and HAZID/HAZOP assessments to design appraisals and collaboration with flag authorities to ensure the system’s regulatory compliance. LR also oversaw the installation and sea trials, validating the safety, performance, and reliability of the WindWings® system.
Endorsement from Industry Leaders
Tom Wolodarsky, Senior Surveyor and Lead Specialist in Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems at LR, praised the project as a major step toward commercializing wind propulsion in large ocean-going vessels. He highlighted its alignment with growing decarbonisation efforts and regulatory requirements, noting the solution’s scalability and environmental benefits. Tony Han, another lead specialist from LR, emphasized the comprehensive technical expertise LR delivered, from design approval to commissioning, further reinforcing its leadership in green maritime innovations.
Part of a Broader Green Strategy
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, framed BRANDS HATCH as a key component of UML’s energy transition agenda. He confirmed that the success of this initiative is already catalyzing follow-up projects, including a sister ship under construction at Yangzijiang Shipyard, also featuring WindWings® manufactured by China Merchants Energy Tech in Shanghai.
Strengthening Global Collaboration in Green Shipbuilding
Sau Weng Tang, LR’s President for Greater China, remarked that BRANDS HATCH stands as a significant achievement in integrating advanced technologies into commercial shipping. He attributed the success to strong collaboration between LR and Chinese shipyards and reaffirmed LR’s commitment to supporting sustainable shipping through innovation, compliance, and performance excellence.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
