Wind-assisted tanker series expands

Built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, the vessel features two 37.5-metre WindWings developed by BAR Technologies, making the series the world’s first dual-fuelled LR2 tanker fleet combining LNG propulsion with wind-assisted technology.

John Cooper, chief executive of BAR Technologies, said the project demonstrated wind propulsion was moving beyond experimental installations.

“Monza is the third vessel in a series, and that matters,” he said. “It shows wind-assisted propulsion is no longer a concept or a one-off installation – it is being delivered consistently on commercial ships.”

The delivery comes as the shipping industry faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions while uncertainty continues over future global carbon pricing rules and fuel strategies at the International Maritime Organization.

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Cooper said shipowners could not afford to wait for future fuels and infrastructure to emerge.

“WindWings are commercially ready today, delivering measurable emissions reductions while maintaining future fuel flexibility,” he said. “This is about deployment at scale. That’s how shipping decarbonises.”

The WindWings system uses a patented rigid wing design capable of generating up to 2.5 times the lift of conventional single-element sails while operating without additional energy input.

Lauren Eatwell, head of WindWings at BAR Technologies, said confidence in the technology was growing rapidly across the sector.

“This is no longer about proving the technology,” she said. “It’s about delivering it consistently across fleets, with predictable performance and clear operational benefits.”