Union Maritime, a UK-based shipping company, is pioneering the use of wind-assisted technology in the larger tanker sector by ordering the installation of rigid wing sails on two of its new LR2 tankers. This move places Union Maritime at the forefront of efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry.

The LR2 tankers, currently under construction at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China, will each be equipped with three WindWings developed by BAR Technologies. These sails are expected to make the tankers among the "greenest and most efficient" in the industry, with potential fuel and CO2 savings of up to 1.5 tonnes and 5 tonnes per wing per day, respectively, on typical global routes.

Scheduled for delivery in July and November 2025, the LR2 tankers are part of Union Maritime's shipbuilding program, which includes a total of six LR2 tankers and two MRs (49,000 dwt). BAR's WindWings will operate in conjunction with a route optimization system to adjust the sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course, without compromising speed.

The move towards wind-assisted propulsion reflects the shipping industry's increasing focus on adopting technologies to reduce emissions. Companies are exploring various options, including route optimization, retrofitting ships with new technologies, and now, wind-assisted propulsion.

BAR's previous installations of rigid sails on bulkers Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus, along with its partnership with CM Energy Tech, indicate a growing trend towards integrating wind-assisted propulsion into the maritime sector. With Union Maritime leading the charge, the industry may see further advancements in sustainable shipping practices in the near future.