British ship operator Union Maritime has secured a $130 million fleet financing package for two new LR2 tankers.
The financing is led by Société Générale (France) and the Export-Import Bank of China and is being arranged through a syndicated model.
The vessels ordered from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China are scheduled for delivery in late 2025 and early 2026 respectively. Both newbuildings will be equipped with BAR Technologies’ “WindWing” sails and LNG dual-fuel propulsion. According to Union Maritime, this makes them among the most innovative and sustainable LR2 tankers on the market.
“With the integration of ‘WindWing‘ technology and dual-fuel propulsion, we are setting new standards in terms of innovation and sustainability in shipping,” Union Maritime announced on LinkedIn.
The financing deal aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to deploy lower-emission ships with higher energy efficiency. Union Maritime has already ordered a total of 34 wind-assisted newbuildings – including 14 LR2 tankers, 12 chemical tankers and eight MR tankers, all equipped with the WindWings system for fuel savings and CO₂ reduction.
Among them is the “Brands Hatch”, the world’s first LR2 newbuilding ship with WindWings equipment, already underway. It is expected to save around 1,200 tons of fuel per year and reduce CO₂ emissions by over 3,800 tons.
