Shipping line Union Maritime has entered into a partnership with design and engineering firm BAR Technologies to integrate wind-assisted propulsion solutions on 34 new vessels to deliver new and improved experiences.
The new Union Maritimes vessels
BAR Technologies, the supplier of WindWings wind technology (a rigid wing using wind propulsion), Union Maritime is achieving average daily savings of 1.5 tons of fuel per wing and tons of CO₂ per wing on typical global routes.
In addition, the shipping line is working with Finnish firm Norsepower to implement rotor sails on smaller vessels. These newbuildings will therefore comprise fourteen long-range tankers 2 (LR2), twelve chemical tankers and eight medium-range (MR) tankers.
Propulsion technologies offer environmental benefits and economic savings to both shipowners and charterers, as well as to the shipping and business community at large, in the form of reduced fuel costs. According to both companies, it is crucial to emphasize that all this is achieved without compromising speed, efficiency and quality of service.
Environmental initiatives
Union Maritime is also implementing dual-fuel LNG engines on up to eight LR2s, working with BAR Technologies on its AeroBridge on up to eight LR2s, working with BAR Technologies on its AeroBridge transformer superstructure, which provides greater efficiency and crew comfort, in addition to other innovative technologies.
More and more shipowners are adopting wind propulsion to decarbonize their operations. At the end of March 2024, there were 37 wind-powered vessels installed and eleven wind-ready ships, totaling a combined 2.5 million dwt, according to the International Wind Ship Association(IWSA).
Finally, a critical mass of demonstrator vessels is consolidating in the bulk carrier, tanker, RoRo and general cargo segments, and developments in other vessel segments are accelerating.
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Source: Offshore Energy
Photo: Union Maritime