BAR Technologies signs deal with WindWaves

Under the new agreement, WindWaves will manufacture, market, and deliver BAR’s latest 20m and 24m WindWings® wing sail models to customers across Europe.

This collaboration follows a similar arrangement announced earlier this year for the production of BAR’s larger 37.5m WindWings® model, expanding access to BAR’s advanced wing sail technology for a broader range of vessel sizes within European markets. European shipowners, as well as operators utilising regional drydocks, can now select from an enhanced range of WindWings® options tailored to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

The agreement entrusts WindWaves with overseeing the end-to-end value chain for the 20m and 24m WindWings®, including procurement, construction, and installation at shipyards across Europe. WindWaves will also provide lifecycle servicing and operator training for the new models, ensuring shipowners and crews are equipped for optimal use of the technology. These smaller WindWings® designs, featuring BAR’s patented 3-element structure, offer substantial CO₂ reductions—saving more than 500 tonnes per wing per year—and provide a payback period of less than five years.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, commented on the strengthened partnership: “We are delighted to expand on our existing relationship with WindWaves, a business with a proud legacy in wind energy manufacturing. Having previously agreed a deal for the manufacture and supply of our 37.5m WindWings® variant, it’s incredibly exciting to be bringing our newest, and more compact, 20m-24m models to the European market, signalling an expansion to a huge market of smaller vessels, and further enhancing the geographical availability of our WindWings® technology.”

Targeting handysize bulkers, chemical tankers, and smaller vessels, the new 20-24m WindWings® models broaden BAR’s wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) offerings by an estimated 50%, providing a practical option for a wider fleet range. With a weight of under 30 tonnes, the models are engineered for easy integration on both newbuilds and retrofits.

Roberto Bouzas, general manager of WindWaves, said, “Shipping is in the midst of enormous transformational change, both in terms of regulations and commercial needs. Benefitting from our history in manufacturing for the wind sector, we look forward to supporting BAR Technologies with their new 20m-24m WindWings®, and continuing the trajectory towards a cleaner and decarbonised global shipping sector.”

The fuel-saving benefits of WindWings® were first verified independently by DNV-Maritime in May 2024. Operational data from vessels like Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus has confirmed WindWings®’ capability to reduce energy consumption by up to 32% per nautical mile, making it an attractive choice for shipowners seeking validated, eco-friendly solutions.