- Union Maritime builds two new wind-propelled long-range tankers (LR2s) at the renowned Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China.
- Each vessel will be fitted with 3 WindWings®, developed by BAR Technologies and manufactured in partnership with CM Energy Tech.
UK shipowner Union Maritime has moved to fit two of its LR2 tankers under construction in China with BAR Tech wind-assisted ship propulsion technology.
The two vessels, currently being built at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) for delivery in late 2025, will each feature three WindWings rigid sails.
Wind-assisted ship propulsion technology
Union Maritime’s LRs are the latest vessels to adopt BAR Tech’s WindWings solution, following the installation of the technology onto the Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus vessels in the second half of 2023.
“Our latest contract with UML demonstrates the growing demand for our WindWings technology and the benefits it can bring to the maritime industry,” said John Cooper, CEO of BAR Tech.
The deal also follows BAR Technologies’ partnership with manufacturing partner CM Energy Tech (CMET), which now manages the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings and their installation throughout shipyards in Asia.
WindWings operate in conjunction with a route optimisation system that adjusts the rigid sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course, without compromising the vessel’s speed.
According to BAR Tech, the technology has potential savings of up to 1.5 tonnes of fuel and around 5 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes.
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Source: Bar Technologies
