BAR Technologies, a leader in maritime innovation, has announced the expansion of its WindWings® portfolio with the introduction of new 20m and 24m models. Building on the widespread success of the original 37.5m WindWings®, these new models are designed to make wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) technology more accessible to a broader range of vessels, including handysize bulkers, chemical tankers, and smaller ships. The introduction of these models effectively increases the target fleet size by nearly 50%, providing a crucial tool for shipowners looking to reduce their environmental impact.
A Growing Market for Wind-Assisted Propulsion
The launch of the 20m and 24m WindWings® comes in response to the growing demand from the shipping industry for innovative solutions to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by 20-30%. The new models, weighing less than 30 tonnes, offer shipowners an efficient and economical way to retrofit existing vessels or include them in new builds. These compact and lightweight versions of the original 3-element design can save more than 500 tonnes of CO2 per WindWing® per year, with a payback period of less than five years.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, emphasized the significance of this expansion: “The incredible success of our 37.5m WindWings® model has proven that wind-assisted propulsion is now a validated and trusted solution for increasing fuel savings and reducing emissions in international shipping. The expansion of our WindWings® offering is a direct response to the growing demand from shipowners who have seen first-hand their environmental and economic benefits, as they work to achieve the IMO’s emissions reductions targets. With these new models, we are making this technology accessible to an even wider range of vessels, ensuring that more of the global fleet can contribute to the crucial goal of decarbonization.”
Independently Validated Performance
The fuel-saving capabilities of WindWings® were independently validated by DNV-Maritime in May 2024, and their deployment on vessels such as the Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus has already demonstrated a 32% reduction in energy use per nautical mile. These results have solidified WindWings® as a reliable and independently validated choice for shipowners looking to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Key Features of the New WindWings® Models
The 20m and 24m WindWings® models offer best-in-class performance, mirroring the success of the original 37.5m model while being more compact for greater operational flexibility. Key features include:
- Maximum Thrust and Fuel Savings: The patented 3-element rigid wingsail with passive boundary layer control does not require suction fans or a continuous power supply, ensuring maximum efficiency.
- Foldable and Non-Foldable Variants: Designed for operational flexibility, these wings can be compacted to minimize their footprint during navigation in pilotage and port operations.
- Electric-Powered Operations: The wings operate entirely on electrical power, simplifying installation and ongoing operations while maintaining high performance.
- Fail-Safe Design: The wings feature a self-feathering mechanism, allowing them to withstand extreme weather conditions and endure up to 100 knots of true wind speed.
- Full-Turnkey Solution: BAR Technologies provides comprehensive support from initial concept to ongoing maintenance, ensuring seamless integration and operation.
Global Impact and Manufacturing Plans
The new models are projected to deliver 0.7 tonnes of fuel savings per WindWing® per day on average on worldwide routes, representing a substantial contribution to global decarbonization efforts. With the introduction of these new models, BAR Technologies continues to lead in shipping innovation, offering scalable and adaptable solutions that meet the diverse needs of the global fleet.
Manufacturing of the new WindWings® models will commence in China and Spain starting next year, aligning with the growing global demand driven by regulatory measures such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Similar policies are anticipated in South Korea and Turkey, further driving the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
BAR Technologies – Customer Interest and Market Validation
BAR Technologies is already seeing strong interest from existing customers, many of whom are in advanced discussions to integrate the new WindWings® models into their fleets. These developments signal robust market validation of the company’s forward-thinking approach, as shipowners increasingly recognize the significant potential for efficiency and sustainability gains offered by WindWings®.
As the maritime sector faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, technologies like WindWings® are not just beneficial—they are essential. BAR Technologies’ continued innovation and expansion of its WindWings® portfolio position the company at the forefront of the industry’s efforts to meet global decarbonization goals.
Source BAR Technologies