Bureau Veritas approves BAR Technologies’ available effective power for UML AeroPower LR2 Programme Expand, supporting Pwind compliance within FuelEU the Maritime framework
(Portsmouth, UK – 12 March 2026) — Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has completed a technical review confirming BAR Technologies’ calculation of available effective power of the two 37.5m WindWings® of 760m² installed on the tankers as part of UML AeroPower LR2 programme.
The approval confirms that BAR Technologies’ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach and resulting force matrix align with IMO Guidance for innovative energy-efficiency technologies, providing shipowners with a recognised pathway to quantify the propulsive contribution of WindWings® installations under IMO frameworks.
Following a detailed technical review, VersionBureau Veritas concluded that BAR Technologies’ submission is acceptable across all assessment categories, including CFD code specification, boundary conditions, grid independence, validation against experimental data and the generation of installation-specific force matrices.
The outcome provides a transparent, class-reviewed calculation of wind-assisted power contribution without the need for extended full-scale testing.
WindWings® technology is already in commercial operation across the Union Maritime fleet, including on the AeroPower vessels Brands Hatch and SPA. Meanwhile, the AeroPower newbuild programme at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI) continues to advance. Construction is underway on the first 113,600 dwt vessel, with additional LR2 and MR2 tanker projects in development at major shipyards across Asia.
As vessels trade and newbuild programmes advance, wind propulsion is being integrated into mainstream bulker and tanker construction rather than confined to isolated installations. Bureau Veritas’ approval provides a support to methodological consistency required to support scale in these and other vessel types.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said:
“WindWings® are already delivering in commercial service. What this approval does is formalise how that performance is assessed and recognised by class. Owners don’t need promises — they need certainty. A consistent, class-recognised methodology provides that certainty.”
Lauren Eatwell Head of WindWings®. at BAR Technologies
Lauren Eatwell, Head of WindWings® at BAR Technologies, added:
“As WindWings® continue to be adopted in larger tanker programmes, consistency in performance validation becomes critical. This approval ensures that the engineering analysis behind each installation is assessed to recognised standards, supporting predictable integration across vessel series.”
Alex Gregg-Smith, President, Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, added:
“Bureau Veritas’ review confirmed that BAR Technologies’ WindWings® available effective wind power calculation for UML AeroPower LR2 tankers is consistent with IMO Circ.896 Guidance for innovative energy-efficiency technologies. Our assessment examined the underlying modelling approach, validation processes and generation of installation-specific force matrices. Independent verification supports the consistent application of recognised technical standards and enables safe integration of wind-assisted propulsion systems within existing regulatory frameworks.”
As fleet renewal continues and tanker newbuild programmes expand, approvals such as this reinforce that wind propulsion can be incorporated into large-scale shipbuilding projects with technical rigour and regulatory clarity.
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About Union Maritime
Union Maritime is a leading provider of smart shipping solutions, specialising in the transportation of crude oil, chemicals and refined petroleum products. With a modern fleet of more than 100 vessels, Union Maritime operates across key global trade routes to deliver end-to-end operational and technical expertise. Focused on growth and industry leading decarbonisation, we will define the next-generation of shipping.
About BAR Technologies
With an impressive heritage, having spun out of Great Britain’s former America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies provides a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services across commercial ships, workboats, leisure boats, and engineered solutions. The company boasts a team of world-leading naval architects, optimisation specialists, fluid dynamists, and system engineers, all focused on delivering next-generation maritime technology.
About WindWings®
BAR Technologies’ patented three-element wing design is unique in the marketplace, delivering 2.5 times the lift of a single-element wing. Unlike other wind-assisted propulsion systems, WindWings® require no continuous power for suction fans or mechanical spinning. They automatically adjust camber and angle of attack for optimised efficiency at the most angles and wind speeds, offering a proven, scalable solution for emissions reduction.
Offering on average 1.5 tonnes of fuel saving per WindWing® per day, the 37.5m WindWings® has taken its place as the most powerful wind-assisted technology on the market.
Bureau Veritas
For media enquiries, contact:
Nick Brown, Corporate Affairs Director, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Email: nicholas.brown@bureauveritas.com
Contact Number: +33 (0) 6 04 91 72 41
