First dual-fuel LR2 tankers to be fitted with WindWings

Rendering of 37.5m WindWings, on a dual-fuel LR2 tanker

BAR Technologies has confirmed a landmark order for its WindWings propulsion system to be installed on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, marking one of the first confirmed large-scale wind propulsion deployments on this critical vessel class. The decision builds on the successful integration of WindWings aboard the UML-operated Brands Hatch, demonstrating growing industry momentum behind wind as a core alternative fuel in the maritime decarbonisation transition.

The new 250m-long tankers, Suzuka and Long Beach, will each be equipped with two 37.5m WindWings, delivering substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. The vessels are being designed by SDARI and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI), with steel cutting confirmed for November 2025 and delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

John Cooper, BAR Technologies’ CEO, 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 decarbonising even the most energy-intensive vessel types. Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it is a proven fuel source that is ready to deliver real impact today.”

Flagged under the Marshall Islands and classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, the vessels underscore WindWings’ compliance with the most rigorous international safety and performance requirements.

Innovative fleet development
Simon Bonnett, deputy commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, said: “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.”

Matthieu de Tugny, executive vice president, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added: “Safety is of vital importance when it comes to integrating new technologies on ships. Bureau Veritas’ 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.”

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-utilisation vessel class signals a step change, moving WindWings from innovation to infrastructure.

Shougang Shi, sales director of CM Energy Tech, said: “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 optimised for real-world commercial use. As demand grows, this partnership ensures the technology can be produced and deployed at scale.”

Real-world viability
This latest order follows strong operational results from Brands Hatch, where the WindWings installation on the Aframax tanker, commissioning, and early performance exceeded expectations. That vessel now stands as a compelling case study in real-world viability. Choosing to apply WindWings to a second, different vessel class demonstrates growing confidence in wind propulsion, a free-at-source alternative fuel, as a scalable and commercially sound component of future-ready ship design.

The two 37.5m WindWings units will deliver an average of three tonnes of daily fuel savings, translating to annual CO₂ reductions of around 2,300 tonnes per tanker, equivalent to removing over 500 conventionally powered passenger cars from the road.

These new tankers are expected to enter service ahead of the IMO’s (International Maritime Organisation) 2030 emissions reduction targets, offering early compliance benefits and long-term operational efficiencies.