BAR Technologies has announced a significant order for its WindWings® propulsion system, which will be installed on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers. This is a major milestone for the company as it marks one of the first large-scale wind propulsion deployments on this critical vessel class. The decision to integrate WindWings® into these tankers follows the successful installation on the UML-operated Brands Hatch, demonstrating the increasing industry momentum behind wind as a core alternative fuel in the maritime decarbonisation transition.
The two new 250-metre-long tankers, named Suzuka and Long Beach, will each be equipped with two 37.5m WindWings®, providing significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. The vessels are being designed by SDARI and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI), with steel cutting confirmed for November 2025 and delivery scheduled for Q1 2027.
BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper commented, “Fitting WindWings® to tankers of this type breaks new ground for wind propulsion. It proves the technology can scale and be integrated alongside dual-fuel systems as a serious, practical tool for decarbonising even the most energy-intensive vessel types. Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it is a proven fuel source that is ready to deliver real impact today.”
The vessels will be flagged under the Marshall Islands and classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, highlighting WindWings®’ compliance with the most rigorous international safety and performance requirements.
“The Marshall Islands Registry has a long-standing relationship with UML and is proud to be the chosen flag for these vessels. As the world’s leading registry for quality, compliance, and technical support regarding innovative technologies, this decision to flag further demonstrates UML’s commitment to responsible and innovative fleet development,” said Simon Bonnett, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs at the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added, “Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to integrating new technologies on ships. Bureau Veritas’ classification framework ensures that these vessels will meet the highest requirements for structural integrity, safety, and sustainable design, demonstrating that next-generation propulsion systems, including WindWings®, are ready for rigorous global deployment.”
This LR2 deployment is particularly significant as these tankers are widely used for transporting refined petroleum and chemicals globally. Integrating wind propulsion into such a high-utilisation vessel class marks a significant step towards mainstream adoption.
Shougang Shi, Sales Director at CM Energy Tech, said, “This project marks an important step in scaling wind propulsion through advanced manufacturing, and we are proud to support one of the first large-scale deployments on LR2 dual-fuel tankers, a critical vessel class in global shipping. By combining BAR Technologies’ aerodynamic design expertise with CM Energy Tech’s production capabilities, we are delivering a high-precision, reliable WindWings® system optimized for real-world commercial use. As demand grows, this partnership ensures the technology can be produced and deployed at scale.”
This latest order follows the successful operational results from the Brands Hatch, where the WindWings® installation, commissioning, and early performance exceeded expectations. The vessel now serves as a compelling case study for the viability of wind propulsion in the real world. Choosing to apply WindWings® to a second, different vessel class further demonstrates the growing confidence in wind propulsion as a scalable and commercially sound component of future-ready ship design.
The two 37.5m WindWings® units on each tanker are expected to deliver an average of 3 tonnes of daily fuel savings, resulting in annual CO₂ reductions of approximately 2300 tonnes per tanker, equivalent to removing over 500 conventionally powered passenger cars from the road. These newbuilds are expected to enter service ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 emissions reduction targets, providing early compliance benefits and long-term operational efficiencies.