BAR Technologies Secures First-of-Its-Kind Wind Propulsion Deployment on Dual-Fuel LR2 Tankers
[22 July 2025 Portsmouth, UK]— BAR Technologies has confirmed a landmark order for its WindWings® propulsion system to be installed on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, marking one of the first confirmed large-scale wind propulsion deployments on this critical vessel class. The decision builds on the successful integration of WindWings® aboard the UML-operated ‘Brands Hatch’, demonstrating growing industry momentum behind wind as a core alternative fuel in the maritime decarbonisation transition.
The new 250-metre-long tankers, ‘Suzuka’ and ‘Long Beach’, will each be equipped with two 37.5m WindWings®, delivering substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. The vessels are being designed by SDARI and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI), with steel cutting confirmed for November 2025 and delivery scheduled for Q1 2027.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies emphasised,
“Fitting WindWings^® to tankers of this type breaks new ground for wind propulsion. It proves the technology can scale and slot alongside dual-fuel systems as a serious, practical tool for decarbonising even the most energy-intensive vessel types. Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it’s a proven fuel source that’s ready to deliver real impact today.”
Flagged under the Marshall Islands and classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, the vessels underscore WindWings®’ compliance with the most rigorous international safety and performance requirements.
Simon Bonnett, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, says:
“The Marshall Islands Registry has a long relationship with UML and is excited to be the choice of flag for these vessels. As the world’s leading registry for quality, compliance, and technical support regarding innovative technologies, this decision to flag further highlights UML’s commitment to responsible and innovative fleet development.”
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added:
“Safety is of vital importance when it comes to integrating new technologies on ships. Bureau Veritas’ classification framework helps ensure that these vessels will meet the highest requirements for structural integrity, safety, and sustainable design, demonstrating that next-generation propulsion systems, including WindWings®, are ready for rigorous global deployment.”
This LR2 deployment is particularly significant as these tankers are widely used for transporting refined petroleum and chemicals globally. Integrating wind propulsion into such a high-utilisation vessel class signals a step change, moving WindWings® from innovation to infrastructure.
Shougang Shi, Sales Director, CM Energy Tech, said:
“This project marks an important step in scaling wind propulsion through advanced manufacturing and we are proud to support one of the first confirmed large-scale deployments on LR2 dual fuel tankers, a critical vessel class in global shipping. By combining BAR Technologies’ aerodynamic design expertise with CM Energy Tech’s production capabilities, we are delivering a high-precision, reliable WindWings® system optimised for real-world commercial use. As demand grows, this partnership ensures the technology can be produced and deployed at scale.”
This latest order follows strong operational results from ‘Brands Hatch’, where the WindWings® installation, commissioning, and early performance exceeded expectations. That vessel now stands as a compelling case study in real-world viability. Choosing to apply WindWings® to a second, different vessel class demonstrates growing confidence in wind propulsion, a free-at-source alternative fuel, as a scalable and commercially sound component of future-ready ship design.
The two 37.5m WindWings® units will deliver an average of 3tonnes of daily fuel savings, translating to annual CO2reductions of around 2300tonnes per tanker, equivalent to removing over 500 conventionally powered passenger cars from the road.
These newbuilds are expected to enter service ahead of the IMO’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, offering early compliance benefits and long-term operational efficiencies.
BAR Technologies and WindWings® and CM Energy Tech
For more information on BAR Technologies please contact either
Sue Terpilowski
sue@imageline.co.uk or
Vy Le
pr@imageline.co.uk
+44 207 689 9009
Union Maritime
For more information on Union Maritime, please contact:
unionmaritime@teneo.com
020 7260 2700
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry
For media enquiries, contact:
Laura M Sherman,
Director Marketing & Communications
Marshall Islands
Email: ISherman@register-iri.com
Contact Number: +1 703 608 0187
Bureau Veritas
For media enquiries, contact:
Nick Brown
Corporate Affairs Director
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Email: nicholas.brown@bureauveritas.com
Contact Number: +33 (0) 6 04 91 72 41
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 will be launched in 2027.
Hydrodynamic Hull Optimisation
Leveraging advanced computational fluid dynamics and performance modelling, our design solutions enhance hull efficiency across vessel types from offshore workboats to high-speed ferries and commercial ships, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and 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.
About Union Maritime
Union Maritime is a leading provider of smart shipping solutions, specialising in the transportation of crude oil, chemicals and refined petroleum products. With a modern fleet of more than 100 vessels, Union Maritime operates across key global trade routes to deliver end-to-end operational and technical expertise. Focused on growth and industry leading decarbonisation, we will define the next generation of shipping www.unionmaritime.com
About CM ENERGY
CM ENERGY, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group, has been serving the energy industry for nearly 30 years and is one of the leading companies in the world in engineering, manufacturing and supplying high-end and mission critical equipment, technology, services and one stop solution to the global maritime and energy industry. CM ENERGY is listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
About The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry
International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime and Corporate Registries. The RMI Maritime Registry is the leading quality registry with both the youngest and greenest fleet in the world surpassing 194 million gross tons with 5,339 vessels at the end of January 2023.
IRI has a network of 28 worldwide offices located in major shipping and financial centers throughout the world that have the ability to register a vessel or yacht, including those under construction, record a mortgage or financing charter, incorporate a company, issue seafarer documentation, and service clientele. The most important asset to the RMI Registry is its customers, and IRI strives to provide them with full service from any office, 24 hours a day.
About Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers’ excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas’ 84,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company’s technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit https: marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com
