First Newbuild Tanker with WindWings delivered

Union Maritime, a large provider of smart shipping solutions, announces the upcoming delivery of Brands Hatch, a state-of-the-art new build Long Range 2 tanker, featuring three WindWings^®, developed by BAR Technologies and manufactured by CMET.

Most WASP solutions we published about here are retrofits or smaller newbuilds. The Brands Hatch is an Aframax tanker, so WASP is scaling up here. As we wrote last year, BAR Technologies and Union Maritime are planning on equipping a total of 34 newbuilds with WindWings^®: 14 LR2 size tankers, 12 chemical tankers and eight MR2 size tankers. Now the first one is choosing the high seas.

Using WindWings^® is projected to reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 tonnes annually, equating to a reduction of over 3,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, providing a 30% improvement when compared with a modern 2022-built vessel of similar specification.

Brands Hatch will ensure full compliance with global sustainability standards through to 2030, including achieving the maximum 5% Wind Reward Factor under the FuelEU Maritime regulation, removing the need for alternative fuels. The WindWings^® will be classified as a zero-GHG energy source, enhancing Brands Hatch’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and supporting compliance with the newly approved IMO Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) standard.

In readiness for such deliveries, Union Maritime led a collaborative effort with partners Anglo-Eastern, Synergy, Atlantas Ship Management and BAR Technologies. Project AeroPower was launched to lead the safe and seamless introduction of innovative wind propulsion systems at a worldwide scale. The team conducted a global tour across 13 countries, engaging 25 key partners, including port authorities, pilot associations, and oil majors to seek the required approvals which allow for the commercial adoption of new technologies.

Source: press releases by BAR and Loyds Register

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