Union Maritime to install rigid sails on 34 newbuilds

UK-based tanker operator Union Maritime will install rigid sails on 34 of its newbuild vessels.

PHOTO: Illustration of Union Maritime’s newbuilds equipped with rigid sails. BAR Technologies

Rigid sail, also known as solid sail or wing sail, is a type of sail technology used on ships to harness wind energy for propulsion. In this project, rigid sails will be provided by UK-based marine engineering firm BAR Technologies.

The wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) will be deployed across the company's 34 newly constructed vessels, comprising 14 LR2s (Long-range 2), 12 chemical tankers, and eight MRs (Medium range).

WAPS have been gaining popularity among shipowners as they help to improve vessels' fuel efficiency.

Last month, Spanish shipping firm Marflet Marine contracted wind-assisted propulsion technology developer Bound4blue to install four sails on its tanker. Also in the same month, Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced plans to equip seven of its newbuilds with WAPS.

By Tuhin Roy

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