By GMM Technologies | 2024-06-13 | Ship Building News |

Union Maritime, a UK-based chemical tanker owner and operator, is transforming the shipping industry by implementing cutting-edge wind-propulsion technology across its fleet.

Union Maritime intends to gain significant environmental and economic benefits through collaboration with BAR Technologies, the provider of the unique WindWings®.

The company plans to install WindWings on 34 Newbuild vessels, including 14 LR2s, 12 chemical tankers, and 8 MRs.

WindWings, a rigid sail technology, claims an average daily fuel savings of 1.5 tons per wing and significant CO2 reductions on typical global itineraries.

The decision is consistent with Union Maritime’s commitment to surpassing the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) updated greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The company aims to reduce absolute emissions by 20% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and get at least 5% of its energy from low—or zero-GHG sources by the same year.

WindWings are predicted to provide significant environmental benefits, including reduced fuel usage and CO2 emissions.

Reduced fuel costs provide significant economic incentives for shipowners and charterers.

Most importantly, these benefits are obtained without sacrificing speed, efficiency, or service quality, bolstering Union Maritime’s reputation for operational excellence.

In addition to deploying WindWings, Union Maritime is negotiating a large strategic equity investment in BAR Technologies.

The investment, presently in its final phases, demonstrates the firm’s long-term commitment and strategic alignment.

Union Maritime’s CEO highlighted its commitment to leading the way in efficient, ecologically friendly shipping, supported by its partnership with BAR Technologies.

Wind Propulsion is crucial to Union Maritime’s broader environmental goals.

The company will also install dual-fuel LNG engines on up to eight LR2s and collaborate with BAR Technologies on the AeroBridge superstructure to improve efficiency and crew comfort.

Additionally, Union Maritime is collaborating with Norsepower on rotor sails for smaller vessels, extending its green technology portfolio.

Union Maritime has a fleet of nearly 70 vessels, including 52 tankers, 13 dry bulk carriers, and three offshore vessels.

With 35 newbuilds on order at several yards, the company is well positioned for major development and technological advancement.

The first two WindWing-equipped vessels, each with three sails, are being built at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and are scheduled for delivery in late 2025.

Reference: Offshore Energy, Bar Technologies