The first newbuild tanker equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings propulsion technology has completed its maiden voyage to Europe from China. Owned and operated by UK-based Union Maritime, the Brands Hatch called at Rotterdam on September 8 in what was hailed as a milestone for decarbonization through the commercial viability of wind-assisted propulsion.
The vessel deployed more than a third of its propulsion from wind power alone while fully loaded. The vessel’s three 37.5m WindWings® sails replaced 12.8 tonnes of fuel in 24 hours – equating to 4.3 tonnes per wing and 13 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided per wing per day.
During a sustained 6-hour peak performance period, the vessel accomplished fuel savings of over 18 tonnes daily. This markedly exceeded the average global route savings of 1.5 tonnes of fuel per wing per day.
Laurent Cadji, Managing Director at Union Maritime, described the voyage as “a proud moment for Union Maritime and a clear demonstration of our leadership in bringing innovative, sustainable solutions to global shipping. The early performance results highlight the real-world potential of wind-assisted propulsion, and we are pleased to be proving its commercial and environmental value at scale.”
In July, BAR Technologies secured an order to install its WindWings on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, representing one of the first significant wind propulsion applications for this class of vessel. Delivery in anticipated in Q1 2027.
“The arrival of Brands Hatch in Europe really is a landmark moment, not just for us, but for everyone committed to driving maritime sustainability forward through wind propulsion,” said John Cooper from BAR Technologies. “This is the first time a vessel built from the ground up with WindWings® has completed a full ocean passage, proving that wind propulsion is ready for commercial-scale use.”
The Aframax tanker was officially named on June 11 at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard before beginning its maiden voyage. Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, the vessel is projected to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 tonnes annually, providing a 30% improvement compared to a modern 2022-built vessel of similar specification.
The Brands Hatch is the first in a planned fleet of wind-assisted tankers Union Maritime is rolling out under “Project AeroPower,” a collaborative effort with Anglo-Eastern, Synergy, Atlantas Ship Management, and BAR Technologies.
(union Maritime photo of Brands Hatch in Rotterdam)