BAR Technologies selects Chinese partner for WindWings production

The agreement with CM Energy Tech (CMET), with its biggest shareholder China Merchants Industry Holding, will allow BAR Technologies to manufacture enough WindWings to satisfy the growing demand for it at effective costs.

BAR Technologies chief executive John Cooper hinted that China was an obvious choice. He said, “In looking at where we manufacture our WindWings, we recognised we have to align our production with the leading nations in global shipping construction. China Merchants Group has many shipyards in their wider group but this is about manufacturing for all the yards in the region and developing ever-closer relationships.”

Asian shipping firms are increasing their share of WindWings orders – with Singapore vessel business Berge Bulk the most recent adopter of BAR’s technology. CMET’s management of assembly and production at its facilities in the Shanghai area will enable customers across Asia to easily work with CMET during WindWings installation onto their new vessels, or retrofits.

Last year, two dry bulkers were retrofitted with BAR’s 37.5 m x 20.0 m WindWings. These sails are made of aluminium and composite and are designed to last the lifetime of the vessel. Each wing weighs about 200 tonnes and is fitted with sensors to automatically maximise power and fuel savings.

BAR’s agreement with CMET supersedes its previous fixed-term partnership with Yara Marine Technologies with the businesses parting ways.

Mr Cooper said, “All at BAR Tech would like to warmly thank our colleagues at Yara Marine Technologies. Without our successful partnership, we would not have brought this market-leading technology to market as quickly and as professionally – this has benefited our joint clients and the industry.”

CMET will manage the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings and their installation throughout the Chinese shipyards. 

The company will also service WindWings during their operational lifecycle, alongside running training on operating the wing sails for vessel crews. BAR Technologies said it will continue to innovate and work on additional WindWings sizes and offerings.

“Progressing shipping’s decarbonisation journey requires taking the decisions now that will offer long-term opportunities to grow and scale WindWings installations, as vessel owners increasingly specify newbuild vessels from the major yards with wind propulsion. Partnering with CMET will enable us to work with a highly reputable, long-standing organisation which will significantly enhance the manufacture and production of our WindWings technology,” said CMET vice president Yunqiang Chen.