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Union Maritime’s LR2 tankers to sport WindWings
Union Maritime’s two LR2 product tankers under construction in China are to fitted with BAR Technologies’ WindWings, produced in partnership with Hong Kong-listed CM Energy Tech
Two LR2 tankers, currently being built at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) shipyard in China, will each feature three WindWings, a cutting-edge wind propulsion technology developed by British design and engineering firm BAR Technologies.
Union Maritime’s two long-range tankers are the latest vessels to adopt BAR Technologies’ WindWings solution, following the successful installation of the technology onto Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus vessels in the second half of 2023.
WindWings have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with potential savings of up to 1.5 tonnes of fuel and around 5 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes.
WindWings operate in conjunction with a route optimisation system that adjusts the rigid sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed and course, all without compromising the vessel’s speed.
Union Maritime’s latest vessels underscore its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry. The company has also invested in energy-saving technology, data collection and analysis, and low- or zero-greenhouse gas (GHG) sources, aiming to surpass IMO’s GHG reduction targets.
The milestone agreement closely follows BAR Technologies’ partnership with manufacturing partner CM Energy Tech (CMET), a company listed on the Hong Kong stock market, with its biggest shareholder being the China Merchants Industry Holding, which now manages the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings and their installation throughout shipyards Asia.
The LR2 tankers each boast a size of 114,000 dwt, are designed by SWS’s own team and classed by Lloyds Register. They will be delivered in late 2025.
Union Maritime Ltd managing director Lauren Cadji said, "We are excited to work with BAR Technologies and CMET on this project, which will enable us to reduce our fuel consumption and emissions significantly."
BAR Technologies is also taking part in a collaboration with Finnish design house Deltamarin on the high-efficiency MR1 tanker Aquila Project.
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