Union Maritime, in partnership with BAR Technologies, is leading the way in transforming wind propulsion technology within the maritime sector. The collaboration aims to incorporate state-of-the-art wind technology, specifically the integration of WindWings®, a cutting-edge rigid sail technology provided by BAR Technologies, across its fleet. This innovative approach has been shown to generate significant environmental benefits, with average daily fuel savings of 1.5 tonnes per wing and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 6 tonnes per wing on typical global routes. Additionally, Union Maritime is exploring the use of rotor sails on its smaller vessels in partnership with Norsepower.
The company has ambitious plans to implement wind propulsion on a total of 34 newbuild vessels, including 14 LR2s, 12 chemical tankers, and 8 MRs. Not only does this initiative offer substantial economic incentives for shipowners and charterers through reduced fuel costs, it also aligns with the broader goals of the shipping and trading community to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. Importantly, these advancements do not compromise on factors such as speed, efficiency, and quality of service, reflecting Union Maritime’s unwavering commitment to upholding operational excellence while pursuing sustainable practices.
In addition to integrating this innovative technology on its ships, Union Maritime is also finalising a strategic equity investment with BAR Technologies’ shareholders, highlighting the long-term dedication and strategic alignment between the two companies. This investment not only reflects Union Maritime’s firm commitment to corporate responsibility and environmental efficiency in shipping, but also underscores the pivotal role of WindWing® technology in shaping the future of global shipping. More details about this strategic partnership will be made public in the near future.
Wind propulsion serves as the cornerstone of Union Maritime’s broader environmental initiatives, which includes the deployment of dual-fuel LNG engines on up to 8 LR2s and collaboration with BAR Technologies on the revolutionary AeroBridge® superstructure. These initiatives are designed to further enhance operational efficiency and crew comfort, in addition to various other cutting-edge technologies that the company is exploring.
This forward-looking strategy showcases Union Maritime’s proactive approach towards integrating sustainable and eco-friendly solutions into its operations, setting a new standard for environmental practices in the maritime sector. As the company continues to lead the way in efficient environmental shipping, its commitment to embracing WindWing® technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.
Source: BAR Technologies