BAR Technologies has confirmed an order for its WindWings propulsion system to be installed on two LR2 dual-fuel tankers. This is one of the first confirmed large-scale wind propulsion deployments on this vessel class.
Wind propulsion
The vessels are being designed by SDARI and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI). Steel-cutting has been confirmed for November 2025, and delivery scheduled for Q1 2027.
The 250m-long tankers, Suzuka and Long Beach, will each be equipped with two 37.5m WindWings. Flagged under the Marshall Islands and classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, the vessels underscore WindWings’ compliance with international safety and performance requirements.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said, “Fitting WindWings to tankers of this type breaks new ground for wind propulsion. It proves the technology can scale and slot alongside dual-fuel systems as a serious, practical tool for decarbonizing even the most energy-intensive vessel types. Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it’s a proven fuel source that’s ready to deliver real impact today.”
Matthieu de Tugny, executive vice president of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added, “Safety is of vital importance when it comes to integrating new technologies on ships. Bureau Veritas’s classification framework helps ensure 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.”
Reducing emissions
The two 37.5m WindWings units will reportedly deliver an average of three tons of daily fuel savings, translating into annual CO2 reductions of around 2,300 tons per tanker, equivalent to removing over 500 conventionally powered passenger cars from the road.
These new-builds are expected to enter service ahead of the IMO’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, offering early compliance benefits and long-term operational efficiencies.
According to BAR Technologies, 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-use vessel class signals a radical change, moving WindWings from innovation to infrastructure.
Operating implications
The decision builds on the integration of WindWings aboard the UML-operated Brands Hatch.
This latest order follows strong operational results from Brands Hatch, where the WindWings installation, commissioning and early performance exceeded expectations. That vessel now stands as a compelling case study of real-world viability. Choosing to apply WindWings to a different vessel class demonstrates growing confidence in wind as a free-at-source alternative fuel and a scalable and commercially sound component of future-ready ship design.
Simon Bonnett, deputy commissioner of maritime affairs and Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime administrator, commented, “The Marshall Islands Registry has a long relationship with UML and is excited to be the choice of flag for these vessels. As the world’s leading registry for quality, compliance and technical support regarding innovative technologies, this decision to flag further highlights UML’s commitment to responsible and innovative fleet development.”
Shougang Shi, sales director of WindWings manufacturer CM Energy Tech, stated, “This project marks an important step in scaling wind propulsion through advanced manufacturing, and we are proud to support one of the first confirmed 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.”
In related news, Econowind recently installed four 16m VentoFoils on board the chemical tanker M/T Jutlandia Swan, owned and operated by Danish shipping company Uni-Tankers