Union Maritime Adds Wind-Assisted Propulsion to New LR2 Tankers
UK-based Union Maritime has ordered the installation of rigid wing sails for two of its new build LR2 tankers putting the company at the forefront of the development of wind-assisted technology in the larger tanker sector. So far, most of the applications of wind-assisted propulsion have come in the bulker and smaller ship segments but interest in the industry remains high to find near-term technologies that will contribute to decarbonization. The new tankers, under construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China, will each feature three WindWings developed by BAR Technologies and are being billed as the “greenest and most efficient long-ranger tankers,” in the industry. BAR reports that the rigid sails have the potential to save up to 1.5 tonnes of fuel and around 5 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day on typical global routes. The vessels are due for delivery in July and November 2025, according to Union Maritime as part of its shipbuilding program that has a total of six LR2 tankers on order as well as two MRs (49,000 dwt). The LR2 tankers will each be 114,000 dwt with the first two…