Union Maritime Ltd has received SOLAS approval for the installation of WindWings wind-assisted propulsion systems developed by BAR Technologies on its MR2 tankers.
The approval was granted by International Registries and Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, clearing the way for the technology to be deployed on the medium-range product tanker segment.
WindWings is a rigid wing-sail system developed by BAR Technologies, a UK-based maritime technology company specialising in wind-assisted propulsion solutions for commercial shipping.
Union Maritime said the latest approval builds on the successful approval, delivery and operation of WindWings on its LR2 tanker Brands Hatch and dual-fuel LR2 tanker Spa, demonstrating that the system can be safely and efficiently integrated across multiple tanker designs.
With a repeatable regulatory pathway now established, the partners said shipowners are able to scale emissions-reduction measures using wind-assisted propulsion without waiting for the development of new fuel infrastructure.
Union Maritime added that the approval supports broader efforts, together with BAR Technologies and its regulatory partners, to move wind-assisted propulsion from pilot projects into large-scale commercial deployment as part of the shipping sector’s decarbonisation strategy.
