Union Maritime to install rigid sails on its tankers
UK-based tanker operator Union Maritime will install rigid sails on two of its new LR2 (Long-range 2) tankers.
PHOTO: Illustration of Union Maritime’s LR2 tanker with a rigid sail. 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.
Hong Kong-listed CM Energy Tech (CMET) will assist BAR Technologies in construction and installation of rigid sails.
The use of rigid sails can reduce a vessel's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, BAR Technologies claims.
The two 114,000-dwt tankers are currently under construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard, China and are expected to be delivered in late 2025.
Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) have been gaining popularity among shipowners as they look for technologies that can boost vessel performance, reduce fuel use, and enhance sustainability.
Last month, German cement transportation company Baltrader Capital inked a deal to install a rotor sail on its latest cement carrier. Also last month, Singapore-based shipping company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and Tahitian shipping company SNA TUHA’A PAE (SNA) placed orders for suction sails with Spanish wind-assisted propulsion technology developer bound4blue.
By Tuhin Roy
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