Wind-assisted propulsion tanker calls in Rotterdam

Union Maritime has completed the maiden European port call of Brands Hatch, the first newbuild tanker fitted with BAR Technologies’ WindWings.

The vessel arrived in Rotterdam on 8 September following a transoceanic passage.

According to Union Maritime, the vessel achieved measurable fuel savings while maintaining speed in adverse weather. In favourable conditions, more than one third of propulsion was generated from wind power alone, even while the vessel was fully laden.

The company stated that during the voyage, sail-aware weather routeing technology from Ascenz Marorka was employed in co-ordination with the charterers.

Union Maritime reported each WindWing is expected to save an average of 1.5 tonnes of fuel per day on global routes.

On this first voyage, the three sails on Brands Hatch together replaced 13 tonnes of fuel in a single day, equivalent to 13 tonnes of CO2 avoided per sail.

Union Maritime noted peak performance exceeded 18 tonnes of daily savings over a six-hour period, describing this as evidence of the potential of wind-assisted propulsion at scale.

Brands Hatch is the lead vessel in a wider programme to build a fleet of wind-assisted tankers, which the company said will be the largest of its kind.

Union Maritime stated a substantial share of its future fleet will be equipped with WindWings to ensure compliance with international environmental standards through 2030. In preparation for the introduction of these vessels, Union Maritime co-ordinated with Anglo-Eastern, Synergy, Atlantas Ship Management and BAR Technologies to establish Project AeroPower. The initiative is intended to facilitate the safe and consistent introduction of wind-propulsion systems across global operations.

Union Maritime managing director Laurent Cadji said the first voyage was a clear demonstration of the potential of wind-assisted propulsion. He added early performance results underlined both the commercial and environmental value of the technology at scale.

BAR Technologies’ John Cooper described the arrival of Brands Hatch in Europe as a landmark moment. He said it proved for the first time a vessel built with integrated WindWings could complete a full ocean passage, establishing wind propulsion as a practical solution for commercial use.