Union Maritime takes delivery of its third WindWings tanker

Monza: LR2 tanker fitted with two 37.5-meter WindWings. [Photo: BAR Technologies]

The LR2 tanker Monza, fitted with two 37.5-meter BAR Technologies WindWings has been delivered to U.K.-based Union Maritime, marking the third vessel in the company’s newbuild series to adopt wind-assisted propulsion. Together, the vessels form the world’s first dual-fueled LR2 tanker series combining LNG propulsion with WindWings sail technology.

Built by China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and equipped with WindWings manufactured by China Merchants CMET, the vessel adds to a growing number of large tankers integrating rigid wind propulsion technology.

BAR Technologies says that its delivery confirms that WindWings installation is moving beyond first-of-a-kind projects into repeatable, commercial deployment across a series of vessels.

The milestone comes as debate at the IMO continues over the future of the Net Zero Framework and the role of so-called “market-based measures,” with competing proposals gaining traction. For shipowners, this uncertainty is increasing pressure to adopt solutions that deliver immediate, verifiable emissions reductions without relying on the availability or cost of future fuels.

Wind propulsion, notes BAR Technogies, is emerging as a critical solution for reducing emissions, offering a proven, fuel-agnostic pathway to meeting FuelEU Maritime and IMO targets today, without reliance on uncertain future fuel supply or infrastructure.

Monza is expected to deliver meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, consistent with results achieved on earlier WindWings equipped vessels, supporting compliance with global frameworks including FuelEU Maritime and IMO efficiency targets.

Vessel particulars:

• Vessel Type: Tanker (Aframax / LR2).
• Length Overall (LOA): 248.8 – 249 meters.
• Beam (Width): 44.0 meters.
• Deadweight (DWT): 113,346 tonnes.
• Gross tonnage (GT): 64,350 – 64,431 tons.
• Summer draft: 15.0 meters.
• Molded depth: 21.5 meters.
• Main engine: MAN B&W 6G60ME-C10-HPSCR.
• Engine power: 8,910 kW.
• Service speed: 14.0 knots.

At the vessel’s naming ceremony, Zhou Kewei, deputy general manager at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, said, “The successful delivery of Monza demonstrates how wind-assisted propulsion can be integrated efficiently across a series of vessels. Through close collaboration with BAR Technologies, we are accelerating the industrialization of low-carbon ship solutions and supporting the industry’s transition to more sustainable operations.”

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

“At a time when regulatory direction remains uncertain, the industry cannot afford to wait. WindWings® are commercially ready today, delivering measurable emissions reductions while maintaining future fuel flexibility.

“This is about deployment at scale. That’s how shipping decarbonizes.”

BAR Technologies says that WindWings, featuring the company’s patented three-element rigid wing design, deliver up to 2.5 times the lift of conventional single-element systems and operate without additional energy input. The system is fully automated, adjusting in real time to optimize performance across varying wind conditions.