BAR Technologies Joins INTERCARGO as Associate Member to Advance Sustainable Bulk Shipping
(Portsmouth, UK – 29 July 2025) — BAR Technologies, a global leader in wind propulsion and maritime decarbonisation, has joined the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) as an Associate Member. The move reflects BAR Technologies’s deepening commitment to industry collaboration, policy engagement and the rapid scaling of clean technology in bulk shipping.
As the sector intensifies efforts to cut emissions, dry cargo shipowners face growing regulatory and environmental pressures. INTERCARGO plays a central role in addressing these challenges through technical advocacy and collective action. BAR Technologies is joining them at a critical time when its WindWings® technology is gaining global momentum as a commercially proven solution delivering zero-emission thrust from wind propulsion for the dry bulk fleet.
BAR Technologies’ WindWings®, based on its patented three-element rigid wing design, delivers best-in-class aerodynamic thrust, automatically adapting its geometry in real-time to the apparent wind. The wings have already been retrofitted onto large bulk carriers, including Pyxis Ocean (Kamsarmax owned by MC Shipping and chartered by Cargill) and Berge Olympus (Newcastlemax owned by Berge Bulk and chartered by Vale) and have been installed on the newbuild Brands Hatch (LR2 tanker owned by Union Maritime Limited) with each wing delivering an average of 1.5tonnes of daily fuel savings. Scalable, fully automated and easily integrated, WindWings® is emerging as the leading solution for shipowners and charterers aiming to meet the IMO’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
A Turning Point for Regulation and Real-World Wind Deployment
BAR Technologies’ membership comes as maritime regulations become increasingly stringent globally. In the European Union, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation has introduced a Wind Reward Factor (WRF), allowing vessels equipped with wind propulsion systems to reduce their reported emissions intensity by up to 5% simply by installing them. Rigid wing systems, where WindWings® stand out for their high thrust, offer clear advantages over those systems that require continuous powering for spinning (flettner rotors) or suction fans (turbo sails).
The company’s deployment on Brands Hatch, the world’s first newbuild tanker fitted with WindWings®, is expected to deliver a 30% improvement in emissions performance compared to comparable modern vessels, saving around 1,300 tonnes of fuel and more than 4,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. That success has been followed by confirmed installations on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, which are due to launch in 2027, well ahead of key IMO milestones.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said:
“Joining INTERCARGO is more than a symbolic step; it’s a practical move to ensure that real-world, deployable technologies, specifically rigid wind propulsion systems led by WindWings®, have a voice in the industry’s most critical conversations. Dry bulk shipping is uniquely positioned to lead the charge on maritime decarbonisation.
At BAR Technologies, we’re proud to offer the tools, data, and engineering expertise to help drive this transition. We look forward to working alongside INTERCARGO members to share operational insights and enable data-led decisions that accelerate change. The challenge now is clear: we must move from ambition to action and bring proven solutions to scale.”
He added,
“This partnership is about momentum. By engaging with like-minded leaders, we can support the technical readiness and regulatory alignment needed to turn decarbonisation from a goal into an industry standard.”
As an Associate Member of INTERCARGO, BAR Technologies will actively contribute to the organisation’s mission of safe, efficient, and environmentally sound dry cargo shipping, offering technical insights across wind propulsion, hull optimisation, and aerodynamic superstructures, including its AeroBridge® system.
For high-resolution images and interviews, please contact either
Sue Terpilowski
sue@imageline.co.uk or
Vy Le
pr@imageline.co.uk
+44 207 689 9009
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 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.
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. The first vessel to be fitted with this technology is scheduled to be launched in 2027.
Hydrodynamic Hull Optimisation
Leveraging advanced computational fluid dynamics and performance modelling, our design solutions enhance hull efficiency across a range of vessel types, from offshore workboats to high-speed ferries and commercial ships, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and a lower environmental impact.
FOSS (Foil Optimised Stability System)
An advanced hydrofoil solution designed for high-speed vessels. It integrates active hydrofoils with intelligent control software to maintain optimal vessel state, enhancing fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance in rough sea conditions. Suitable for both leisure and commercial vessels.
Fully Foiling Vessel Design
From advanced hydrofoil design and manufacture, and real-time control algorithms to full electrification and high-voltage systems integration, BAR Technologies delivers the complete expertise required to enable true flight over water.
