Portsmouth, UK – 22 July 2025 — BAR Technologies has confirmed a breakthrough order for its cutting-edge WindWings® wind propulsion system. The system will be deployed on two brand-new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, marking the first large-scale application of wind-assisted propulsion on this high-utilisation vessel class—used predominantly for the global transportation of refined petroleum and chemicals.
The newbuild tankers, named Suzuka and Long Beach, will each be equipped with two 37.5-metre WindWings® units. The vessels are being designed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI), with steel cutting planned for November 2025 and delivery expected in Q1 2027.
This deployment is especially significant in the bunkering and shipping sectors, as it moves wind propulsion beyond experimentation and into operational reality for one of the most fuel-demanding vessel categories.
“Fitting WindWings® to tankers of this type breaks new ground for wind propulsion. It proves the technology can scale and slot alongside dual-fuel systems as a serious, practical tool for decarbonising even the most energy-intensive vessel types,” said John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. “Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it’s a proven fuel source that’s ready to deliver real impact today.”
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Industry-Leading Backing and Global Compliance
The LR2 tankers will fly the Marshall Islands flag and be classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, meeting the most stringent international performance and safety standards.
“The Marshall Islands Registry has a long relationship with UML and is excited to be the choice of flag for these vessels. As the world’s leading registry for quality, compliance, and technical support regarding innovative technologies, this decision to flag further highlights UML’s commitment to responsible and innovative fleet development,” said Simon Bonnett, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
“Safety is of vital importance when it comes to integrating new technologies on ships. Bureau Veritas’ classification framework helps ensure that these vessels will meet the highest requirements for structural integrity, safety, and sustainable design, demonstrating that next-generation propulsion systems, including WindWings®, are ready for rigorous global deployment,” added Matthieu de Tugny, EVP at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.
Tangible Fuel and Emissions Reductions
Each WindWings® installation is expected to deliver fuel savings of around 3 tonnes per day, amounting to 2,300 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year per vessel—the equivalent of removing over 500 cars from the road annually.
The ships’ wind propulsion systems are expected to give owners a head start on the IMO’s 2030 emissions targets, providing both environmental and commercial advantages.
From Innovation to Scalable Infrastructure
This announcement follows the successful integration of WindWings® aboard the UML-operated Brands Hatch, which surpassed expectations during commissioning and early operational phases.
The deployment on Suzuka and Long Beach represents a broader market signal—wind propulsion is shifting from a niche innovation to scalable green infrastructure for large commercial vessels.
“This project marks an important step in scaling wind propulsion through advanced manufacturing,” said Shougang Shi, Sales Director at CM Energy Tech, a key manufacturing partner. “Together with BAR Technologies, we are delivering a high-precision, commercially viable WindWings® solution optimised for global deployment.”
Technology at the Forefront of Maritime Transformation
BAR Technologies’ WindWings® feature a three-element wing design, delivering 2.5 times the lift of traditional single-element alternatives. Unlike other assisted systems, they do not require mechanical fans or spinning rotors, and use automated camber and angle adjustment for optimal performance.
In addition to WindWings®, BAR Technologies is also advancing:
- AeroBridge®: a revolutionary superstructure design focused on aerodynamic fuel efficiency (first launch scheduled for 2027).
- Hydrodynamic Hull Optimisation: cutting-edge hull shaping based on CFD modelling to reduce drag and fuel use.
- FOSS (Foil Optimised Stability System): a hydrofoil-based active system that improves vessel performance in rough seas.
- Fully Foiling Vessel Design: complete high-speed electrified vessel systems with integrated hydrofoils and control software.
Partners Behind the Project
- Union Maritime (UML), a UK-based operator, is a leading provider of smart shipping solutions, specialising in the transportation of crude oil, chemicals and refined petroleum products. With a modern fleet of more than 100 vessels, Union Maritime operates across key global trade routes to deliver end-to-end operational and technical expertise.
- CM Energy Tech, part of China Merchants Group, has been serving the energy industry for nearly 30 years and is one of the leading companies in the world in engineering, manufacturing and supplying high-end and mission critical equipment, technology, services and one stop solution to the global maritime and energy industry. CM ENERGY is listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas’ 84,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries, supporting customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
- The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Registry (RMI), International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime and Corporate Registries. The RMI Maritime Registry is the leading quality registry with both the youngest and greenest fleet in the world surpassing 194 million gross tons with 5,339 vessels at the end of January 2023. IRI has a network of 28 worldwide offices located in major shipping and financial centers throughout the world that have the ability to register a vessel or yacht, including those under construction, record a mortgage or financing charter, incorporate a company, issue seafarer documentation, and service clientele.
As maritime decarbonisation accelerates, BAR Technologies’ WindWings® system has emerged as a viable, scalable, and commercially attractive wind propulsion solution. With this order, the technology is moving beyond pilot projects and entering the mainstream of ocean-going commercial shipping—particularly in sectors where emissions reductions have historically been hardest to achieve.
For shipowners, bunker suppliers, and maritime innovators alike, this project signals a transformative moment: wind is back, and it’s here to stay.
About BAR Technologies
Founded out of Great Britain’s former America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies is a leader in next-generation maritime technology. The company provides a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services across commercial ships, workboats, and leisure boats. Their expertise in naval architecture, fluid dynamics, and system engineering allows them to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the shipping industry.
With its WindWings® technology, BAR Technologies is redefining how the maritime industry approaches fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, offering a proven solution that supports the global push for a more sustainable future.
Source BAR Technologies