Portsmouth, UK – May 28, 2025 — In a landmark achievement for maritime sustainability, BAR Technologies has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from Bureau Veritas for its revolutionary WindWings® propulsion system — a breakthrough that paves the way for large-scale adoption of wind-assisted technologies across the global fleet.
The certification represents a major leap forward for wind propulsion in commercial shipping, officially endorsing WindWings® for integration on Bureau Veritas-classed vessels and reinforcing its position as one of the most advanced and commercially viable decarbonisation solutions available today.
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A Global Validation for Scalable Maritime Decarbonisation
BAR Technologies’ WindWings®, which feature an industry-first 37.5-meter, three-element rigid wingsail, are now certified to meet the highest international standards following a rigorous assessment by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s leading classification societies.
The evaluation spanned critical design factors including structural integrity, material selection, load response, and control system reliability, confirming that WindWings® meet the stringent requirements for deployment across both retrofits and newbuild vessels.
“This certification reflects not only the integrity of the technology but also our shared commitment to a more sustainable maritime future,” said Yannis Calogeras, Marine Chief Executive at Bureau Veritas.
A Technological Edge Like No Other
Unlike conventional wind propulsion systems, the WindWings® design sets a new benchmark in energy efficiency and emissions reduction. The patented three-element configuration delivers 2.5 times the lift of single-element wings, allowing ships to save an average of 1.5 tonnes of fuel and 4.7 tonnes of CO₂ per day on long-haul routes.
Key technical advantages include:
- Passive boundary layer control – for optimized aerodynamic performance
- Feathering mechanism – for safety in variable wind conditions
- No auxiliary power requirements – unlike suction-based or spinning rotor systems
These features not only ensure lower operational costs but also make WindWings® the most scalable and sustainable wind-assisted propulsion system currently available.
Real-World Implementation: UML to Lead BV-Approved Installations
Union Maritime Ltd (UML) will be among the first shipping operators to deploy WindWings® on Bureau Veritas-classed vessels. This real-world integration signals growing industry confidence in the system and a crucial step toward broader decarbonisation across commercial shipping.
UML’s endorsement also supports BAR Technologies’ goal of making WindWings® a mainstream zero-emissions solution.
Momentum Building Across Class Societies
The Bureau Veritas approval follows previous certification from DNV, marking WindWings® as one of the very few wind propulsion technologies to gain acceptance from multiple IACS-member classification societies. With more approvals reportedly in the pipeline, BAR Technologies is moving closer to establishing WindWings® as a global standard in wind-assisted shipping.
“This latest certification is more than a technical tick box. It’s a rallying point for the industry,” said John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. “WindWings® is now uniquely positioned to deliver measurable emissions reductions at scale. With Bureau Veritas and DNV certification, we’re enabling owners and operators to transition from intent to action.”
A Track Record of Innovation and Excellence
Founded from the prestigious engineering team behind Great Britain’s America’s Cup effort, BAR Technologies has rapidly emerged as a leader in next-generation maritime design, offering cutting-edge solutions across vessel optimisation, propulsion, and aerodynamic innovation.
In addition to WindWings®, BAR Technologies has pioneered:
- AeroBridge®: A radical redesign of ship superstructures to reduce drag and fuel use.
- AI-Driven Hull Optimisation: Advanced algorithms for developing fuel-efficient hullforms that can deliver double-digit percentage savings for newbuild vessels.
The Wind-Assisted Future Is Now
As global emissions targets tighten and fuel costs remain volatile, technologies like WindWings® represent not just a greener future — but a more economically sound one. With Bureau Veritas and DNV backing, WindWings® is now ready for deployment across fleets worldwide.
To learn more about WindWings® integration, performance analytics, and feasibility for your fleet, visit BAR Technologies website.
Source BAR Technologies