The British maritime engineering company BAR Technologies has been awarded the contract to install its “WindWings” propulsion system on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers.
The two 250 meters long vessels, named “Suzuka” and “Long Beach”, will be built shortly at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI) in China. Each vessel will be equipped with two 37.5 meter-high WindWings sails.
Steel cutting is planned for this November, with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
With its use on LR2 tankers, the technology will be used for the first time on a ship class that is used intensively worldwide for the transportation of refined petroleum products and chemicals.
“Equipping tankers of this size with ‘WindWings’ shows that the technology can be scaled up and is a practical tool for decarbonizing even energy-intensive ships,” says BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper.
The newbuilds will fly the flag of the Marshall Islands and be classified by Bureau Veritas (BV).
“Safety is crucial for the integration of new technologies,” emphasizes Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President at BV Marine & Offshore. “Our classification framework ensures that the vessels meet the highest standards of structural integrity, safety and sustainable design.”
According to BAR Technologies states that the two “WindWings” should save an average of three tons of fuel per day per tanker. This results in a CO₂ reduction potential of around 2,300 tons per year per unit.
With a view to the IMO emission targets for 2030, BAR sees the WindWings system as a key compontent for achieving early benefits in terms of compliance with regulations and long-term operational efficiency.
