In an exciting development for the maritime industry, BAR Technologies, a leading innovator in maritime decarbonisation solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. The company revealed that it had made 20 new hires in 2024, further cementing its position as a key player in the push for more sustainable shipping practices. This expansion follows a dramatic increase in global demand for its cutting-edge technologies, driven by the accelerating focus on decarbonisation across the maritime sector.
A Year of Innovation and Global Expansion
2024 proved to be a pivotal year for BAR Technologies, which has been at the forefront of delivering breakthrough solutions for the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. The company’s portfolio includes several innovative products that have garnered heightened interest, particularly the WindWings®, a market-leading wind-assisted propulsion system designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Other notable innovations include Aerobridge® superstructures, hull optimisation, and foiling technologies for smaller vessels powered by electric and hybrid drive systems.
Interest in BAR Technologies’ products has surged, with particular growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Sales agents in China, Japan, Greece, and Spain have been instrumental in driving this demand, with forecasts indicating a continued upward trajectory in enquiries from these key markets. These developments highlight the growing global confidence in BAR Technologies’ solutions, positioning the company for continued success in 2025 and beyond.
A Commitment to Decarbonisation
BAR Technologies CEO, John Cooper, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s growth and its role in shaping the future of sustainable shipping. “We are committed to improving the sustainability of the marine industry through innovative technological development,” said Cooper. “It has been inspiring to witness the shift in attitudes as the global focus has sharpened on decarbonisation. Our solutions, such as WindWings®, are designed to address the urgent need for emissions reduction while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations like FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System, and other global carbon taxes.”
Cooper’s comments emphasize the increasing pressure on the maritime industry to adopt environmentally-friendly technologies that not only help reduce emissions but also bring cost savings. BAR Technologies’ products are specifically designed to meet these demands, providing both compliance with stringent environmental regulations and operational efficiency.
Independent Validation Drives Growth
A key factor behind the success of BAR Technologies is the independent validation of its products. For example, the WindWings® system underwent testing between August 2023 and March 2024, where it was shown to reduce energy consumption by 32% per nautical mile on the MV Pyxis Ocean, a Kamsarmax bulk carrier. The testing, conducted by DNV Maritime, is a major endorsement of WindWings’ efficacy in real-world conditions. This independent assessment, backed by a performance guarantee, gives clients the confidence needed to invest in the technology.
Currently, five vessels are under construction with WindWings®, and many more are expected in the coming years, demonstrating the increasing demand for these sustainable solutions. The company’s partnerships with CMET and WindWaves have expanded its global reach, ensuring it can meet this growing demand while maintaining its commitment to decarbonisation.
Growing Workforce to Meet Demand
To support this transformation in the maritime sector, BAR Technologies has significantly expanded its workforce. The company welcomed 20 new hires in 2024, including a new Sales & Marketing team, 4 Naval Architects, and 13 Engineers with expertise spanning software development, systems control, and composite design.
Among the key appointments is Tom James, who joined as Sales Director in early 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the marine, aerospace, and automotive industries, James is already making a major impact in shaping BAR’s commercial strategy. Under his leadership, the team has grown to include Sales & Marketing Manager Jess Murphy, formerly Business Development Director at the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and Sales Engineer Oliwia Galecka, formerly an Energy Transition Analyst at Ardmore Shipping.
John Cooper commented, “The growing emphasis on sustainability has brought about a demand for skills in advanced engineering, performance simulation, composite design, and software innovation—areas where BAR has strategically invested to stay at the forefront of this evolution.”
Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook
BAR Technologies continues to expand its global footprint through key partnerships. Notably, in 2024, Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan transitioned from being a client to becoming an agent for the WindWings® system, underscoring the increasing demand for BAR’s products in the region.
Operating out of its headquarters in Portsmouth, UK, BAR Technologies works closely with international agencies and partners, including CM Energy Tech (China), Abacus (Greece), and WindWaves (Spain). These collaborations, along with the company’s investment in talent and technology, ensure that BAR Technologies remains a global leader in maritime decarbonisation.
Looking ahead, BAR Technologies is poised to continue driving the industry’s transition to sustainable operations. With innovations like WindWings®, Aerobridge®, and foiling technologies, the company is well-positioned to meet the decarbonisation targets set by international regulations and provide shipping companies with practical solutions that reduce their environmental impact.
A Bright Future for Maritime Decarbonisation
As the maritime industry adapts to stricter environmental regulations, BAR Technologies is leading the charge with its innovative, performance-driven solutions. The company’s commitment to decarbonisation, coupled with its expanding workforce and global partnerships, ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the transition to sustainable maritime operations. With its proven track record and continued focus on technological innovation, BAR Technologies is set to redefine the future of the maritime industry.
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 maritime decarbonization goals.
Source BAR Technologies