BAR Technologies, a leader in wind-assisted propulsion technology, has signed a new collaboration agreement with CM Energy Tech Co., Ltd (CMET) to enhance the availability and production of its innovative WindWings® systems. This strategic partnership responds to increasing demand for fuel-efficient, sustainable shipping solutions, particularly for mid-sized vessels like Handymax bulkers, chemical tankers, and general cargo vessels.
The agreement follows the successful launch of BAR Technologies’ 20m and 24m WindWings® in September 2024. Designed for smaller vessels, these new models complement the company’s existing 37.5m WindWings® and offer a practical, scalable solution for shipowners seeking to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. As shipowners face growing regulatory pressure, these WindWings® provide an accessible path to meeting the IMO’s 2030 decarbonisation targets.
The new 20m and 24m models of WindWings® are projected to deliver up to 0.7 tonnes of fuel savings per day per WindWing®, providing significant contributions to the maritime industry’s global decarbonisation efforts. Designed with operational flexibility in mind, the new models are specifically tailored to suit the needs of mid-sized vessels while maintaining the high performance and durability of their larger counterparts.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The industry’s response to WindWings® has been overwhelming, especially for smaller models suited to mid-sized fleets. Our partnership with CMET allows us to meet the surge in demand for wind-assisted propulsion systems that are both commercially and operationally viable. The market is now more receptive to proven solutions that deliver both fuel savings and emissions reductions, and we are excited to see WindWings® gain traction across different vessel types.”
Huafeng Zhan, Executive President of CMET, also highlighted the growing momentum for wind propulsion in the maritime industry, saying, “WindWings® are a revolutionary step toward providing the shipping sector with efficient and sustainable solutions. We are thrilled to collaborate with BAR Technologies in producing these wind-assisted systems, which are vital in meeting the industry’s decarbonisation goals while also ensuring that shipping remains competitive in the face of stricter environmental regulations.”
The collaboration between BAR Technologies and CMET enables an accelerated scaling of production, ensuring WindWings® are widely available for a broader segment of the maritime market. The agreement combines BAR Technologies’ cutting-edge wing design with CMET’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, ensuring high-quality production and distribution. This collaboration strengthens BAR Technologies’ ability to meet increasing global demand for wind-assisted propulsion systems.
The WindWings® technology incorporates a three-element wing design, which offers 2.5 times the lift of traditional single-element wings, resulting in enhanced thrust and overall efficiency. Unlike conventional systems, WindWings® require no continuous power for suction fans or mechanical spinning, reducing energy consumption. The system’s fully adjustable camber and angle of attack enable automatic optimisation for maximum efficiency across a range of wind conditions. Additionally, the self-feathering mechanism of the wings ensures they can withstand extreme weather, including true wind speeds of up to 100 knots.
The key features of the 20m-24m WindWings® include:
- Optimised Thrust & Fuel Savings: The innovative three-element rigid wing design significantly reduces energy consumption.
- Lightweight & Easy Integration: Weighing under 30 tonnes, the WindWings® require minimal deck reinforcement, making them ideal for installation on mid-sized vessels.
- Foldable & Non-Foldable Variants: These wings can be compacted for ease of navigation during port operations and pilotage.
- Fully Electric Operation: The wings operate on electric power, simplifying installation and maintenance.
- Extreme Weather Resilience: A fail-safe, self-feathering mechanism allows WindWings® to handle extreme conditions, including wind speeds of up to 100 knots.
- Turnkey Solution: The technology comes with comprehensive support, from initial feasibility assessments to performance monitoring, ensuring seamless integration.
The collaboration with CMET is a key step in accelerating the adoption of wind propulsion in the maritime sector. As shipowners are under increasing pressure to meet tightening regulations, including those under the FuelEU Maritime initiative and the IMO’s emissions reduction targets, WindWings® offers an affordable and retrofittable solution that helps companies comply without significant fleet overhauls or a shift to costly alternative fuels.
BAR Technologies, which spun out of the UK’s former America’s Cup team, is a leader in innovative maritime technologies. With a team of world-class naval architects, engineers, and fluid dynamics experts, the company provides advanced solutions for both newbuilds and retrofits.
CMET, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group, has over 30 years of expertise in providing high-end equipment and technology to the maritime and energy sectors. The company’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and global reach will support the ramped-up production of WindWings® and bring the technology to a wider market.
As the shipping industry looks ahead to the IMO’s 2030 decarbonisation targets, the partnership between BAR Technologies and CMET ensures that WindWings® remains a reliable, tested, and scalable solution for shipowners. By focusing on high-performance, precision-engineered technologies that align with operational needs, the collaboration is helping to drive the transition to a more sustainable and fuel-efficient shipping industry.
About CM ENERGY
CM ENERGY Tech Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group, has been a leading player in the maritime and energy sectors for nearly 30 years. CMET supplies high-end equipment, technology, and services to the global maritime industry and is listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
About BAR Technologies
BAR Technologies offers design and engineering consultancy services for commercial ships, workboats, and leisure boats. Leveraging the team’s America’s Cup heritage, the company is at the forefront of developing next-generation maritime technologies, including WindWings® and other propulsion solutions.
Source BAR Technologies