Union Maritime reveals Brands Hatch, the world’s first newbuild tanker equipped with BAR Technologies WindWings®, advancing sustainable shipping. This innovative wind-assisted technology is set to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, marking a new chapter in sustainable shipping.
London, 4 June 2025 – In a groundbreaking advancement for maritime sustainability, Union Maritime, a frontrunner in smart shipping, and BAR Technologies, a leader in wind propulsion systems, have jointly announced the upcoming delivery of Brands Hatch, the world’s first newbuild tanker to be equipped with BAR Technologies’ revolutionary WindWings®.
This state-of-the-art Long Range 2 (LR2) tanker will be outfitted with three 37.5-meter-tall WindWings®, designed by BAR Technologies and manufactured by CM Energy Tech (CMET) in China. These rigid sails harness wind power to dramatically reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions — marking a significant leap toward meeting international decarbonisation goals for the maritime industry.
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A World-First in Newbuild Tankers
Brands Hatch is not only a technological achievement, but also a strategic milestone. It represents the first-ever deployment of WindWings® on a newbuild tanker, a platform typically associated with energy-intensive operations. According to performance estimates, WindWings® will enable the vessel to reduce annual fuel usage by approximately 1,200 tonnes and CO₂ emissions by over 3,800 tonnes, delivering a 30% efficiency improvement compared to a modern 2022-built tanker of equivalent design.
Driving Global Change Through Scalable Wind Propulsion
Union Maritime is at the helm of the largest wind-assisted fleet program globally, with a 34-ship rollout planned, at least 14 of which will feature WindWings® technology. This extensive commitment underscores the company’s strategy to lead the industry toward zero-carbon operations through innovation and commercial viability.
By integrating WindWings®, Brands Hatch will also qualify for a full 5% Wind Reward Factor under the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, allowing it to operate without requiring alternative low-emission fuels, thanks to the sails being classified as a zero-GHG energy source. The vessel is also fully aligned with the IMO’s newly approved Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) standard and will benefit from an enhanced Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).
Project AeroPower: A Global Blueprint for Wind-Assisted Shipping
To prepare for the successful global deployment of WindWings®, Union Maritime initiated Project AeroPower — a collaborative framework that engaged major global stakeholders including:
- Ship management partners: Anglo-Eastern, Synergy, and Atlantas Ship Management
- Port authorities and pilot associations
- Oil majors and classification societies
Over the course of the project, the AeroPower team conducted in-person consultations in 13 countries, engaging with 25 key partners to secure the necessary regulatory approvals and operational readiness for wind-assisted propulsion systems worldwide.
Executive Insights
Laurent Cadji, Managing Director of Union Maritime, stated:
“The upcoming delivery of Brands Hatch is a powerful example of how Union Maritime is responding to the evolving regulatory landscape by putting smart and sustainable technologies into action. As our first vessel with WindWings®, and with many more to follow, it marks the beginning of a new era for Union Maritime and the global shipping industry as we combine our deep maritime expertise with cutting-edge innovation to drive towards a more efficient and sustainable future.“
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, added:
“Brands Hatch isn’t just a new vessel; it’s a statement of intent. Together with our manufacturing partner CMET, we’ve brought together world-class British design and Chinese industrial capability to deliver WindWings® at commercial scale. This is wind-assisted propulsion as it should be — scalable, operational and ready to meet the toughest sustainability challenges the industry faces today.“
About Union Maritime
Union Maritime is a leading provider of smart shipping solutions, specializing in the transportation of crude oil, chemicals, and refined petroleum products. Operating a modern fleet of over 100 vessels, the company serves key global trade routes, offering end-to-end operational and technical expertise.
With a strong focus on growth and industry-leading decarbonization, Union Maritime is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of sustainable shipping.
About BAR Technologies
BAR Technologies is a cutting-edge maritime engineering company with a prestigious heritage, having originated from Great Britain’s former America’s Cup team. The company provides a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services across commercial ships, workboats, leisure vessels, and advanced marine systems.
BAR Technologies is powered by a team of world-class naval architects, fluid dynamicists, optimization experts, and systems engineers — all focused on delivering the next generation of maritime technology.
About WindWings®
WindWings® is a patented wind-assisted propulsion system developed by BAR Technologies. Its unique three-element wing design delivers up to 2.5 times the lift of a single-element wing, placing it at the forefront of wind propulsion innovation.
Unlike other systems, WindWings® require no ongoing power for suction fans or mechanical movement. The wings automatically adjust their camber and angle of attack to optimize performance across a broad range of wind conditions. At 37.5 meters tall, each WindWing® can deliver up to 1.5 tonnes of fuel savings per day on global trading routes — offering a scalable, proven solution for emissions reduction.
Source BAR Technologies | Union Maritime