BAR Technologies’ WindWings® Earns Bureau Veritas Approval, Opening Global Pathway for Zero-Emission Wind Propulsion

[Portsmouth, UK – 28 May 2025 ] – In a decisive milestone for maritime decarbonisation, BAR Technologies has secured Bureau Veritas’ Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) for its cutting-edge 37.5m WindWings®, a globally deployable wind propulsion system now validated for scalable fleet integration. The certification underscores the system’s engineering integrity, performance reliability and commercial readiness.

Engineering Confidence Through Rigorous Assessment

Following an extensive and detailed review by Bureau Veritas, the TADC confirms that WindWings® meets stringent international standards across structural design, material selection, load handling and supporting control systems. This official endorsement offers shipowners and operators the assurance to adopt WindWings® with confidence on BV-classed vessels, whether through retrofit or newbuild programmes.

A Distinctive Technological Edge

The 37.5m WindWing® remains unmatched in the sector, featuring a patented three-element rigid wingsail configuration that delivers 2.5 times the lift of traditional single-element designs and does not require power for continuous spinning rotors nor suction fans seen in other technologies With passive boundary layer control and a fail-safe feathering mechanism, each WindWing® saves an average of 1.5t/fuel and 4.7t of CO2 per day on global routes, making it the most impactful and commercially viable wind propulsion technology on the market today.

UML Fleet to Benefit from First BV-Approved Installations

Union Maritime Ltd (UML) is among the first to integrate WindWings® under BV classification, with multiple vessel installations planned. These projects mark a pivotal moment for the technology’s adoption and underscore the increasing enthusiasm within the shipping industry for proven zero-emission solutions.

Collaboration and Commitment to Innovation

Yannis Calogeras, Marine Chief Executive, Bureau Veritas, commented:

“Working with BAR Technologies on the WindWings® project has been an exceptional example of what is possible when technical rigour meets innovative ambition. This certification reflects not only the integrity of the technology but also our shared commitment to a more sustainable maritime future.”

Yannis Calogeras, Marine Chief Executive, Bureau Veritas

Momentum Building Across Class Societies

This approval follows BAR Technologies’ earlier TADC award from DNV, placing WindWings® among the few wind-assisted propulsion solutions certified by more than one IACS-class society. It confirms WindWings®’ readiness for widespread deployment, with a clear route now open across two major classification frameworks with many more in the pipeline. WindWings(r) will soon be classified by all major classification societies.

A Call to Action for Decarbonisation

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said:

“This latest certification is more than a technical tick box. It’s a rallying point for the industry.”

“WindWings® is now uniquely positioned to deliver measurable emissions reductions at scale. With Bureau Veritas and DNV certification, we’re enabling owners and operators to transition from intent to action.”

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About BAR Technologies

With an impressive heritage, having spun out of Great Britain’s former America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies provides a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services across commercial ships, workboats, leisure boats, and engineered solutions. The company boasts a team of world-leading naval architects, optimisation specialists, fluid dynamists, and system engineers, all focused on delivering next-generation maritime technology.

WindWings®

BAR Technologies patented three-element wing design is unique in the marketplace, delivering 2.5 times the lift of a single-element wing. Unlike conventional wind-assisted propulsion systems, WindWings® require no continuous power for suction fans or mechanical spinning. They automatically adjust camber and angle of attack for optimised efficiency, offering a proven, scalable solution for emissions reduction.

For further information on WindWings® feasibility assessments, vessel integration and performance monitoring, visit www.bartechnologies.co.uk.

AeroBridge®

The AeroBridge® represents a paradigm shift in the design of superstructures for commercial ships, offering significant fuel savings and emissions reductions via greatly improved aerodynamics.

Hull optimisation

State-of-the-art optimisation of newbuild vessel hullforms using AI-derived efficiency improvements to deliver double-digit percentage fuel savings