BAR Technologies’ wind-assisted propulsion system gets BV nod

Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has approved the wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) developed by UK-based marine engineering company BAR Technologies.

IMAGE: Illustration of Union Maritime’s tanker with rigid sails. BAR Technologies

The WAPS features a 37.5-metre rigid sail—also known as a solid or wing sail—a technology that captures wind energy to help propel ships.

UK-based tanker operator Union Maritime is among the early adopters, with its several vessels set to be fitted with these sails.

Rigid sails can help reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions, according to BAR Technologies.

WAPS are increasingly being adopted by shipowners to enhance vessel efficiency and cut fuel consumption.

This month, Chilean shipping company Ultranav partnered with France-based Beyond the Sea to install a kite-based propulsion system on one of its chemical tankers.

In April, Dutch shipbuilder Holland Shipyards launched two shortsea cargo vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion. Meanwhile, Norwegian short-sea operator Wilson retrofitted one of its bulk carriers with a similar system.

By Tuhin Roy

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