Union Maritime opts for WindWings on two LR tankers

Two long range tankers under construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) in China for London-headquartered tanker operator Union Maritime have joined the growing list of newbuildings being fitted with auxiliary wind propulsion. Each will be fitted with three BAR Technologies’ WindWings hard sails.

The 114,000 dwt LR2 tankers have been designed in-house by SWS and will be classed by Lloyd’s Register. Delivery is expected in late 2025.

According to BAR Technologies, WindWings offer potential savings of up to 1.5 tonnes of fuel and around 5 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes. They operate in conjunction with a route optimization system that adjusts the rigid sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course.

The agreement to fit the WindWings closely follows BAR Technologies’ partnership with manufacturing partner CM Energy Tech (CMET), a company whose biggest shareholder is China Merchants Industry Holding, and which now manages the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings and their installation throughout shipyards Asia.