BAR Technologies has announced that its 37.5m WindWings system has received Type Approval Design Certification from Bureau Veritas, marking a significant step-forward for wind-assisted propulsion in commercial shipping.
The certification confirms the WindWings system meets strict international requirements for structural design, materials, and control systems. This validation now enables shipowners to adopt the technology across Bureau Veritas-classed fleets, including both retrofits and newbuilds.
WindWings features a patented three-element rigid wingsail design, delivering 2.5 times the lift of traditional single-element alternatives. The system requires no auxiliary power to operate and has a built-in feathering function to manage sail performance in varying weather conditions.
In operational terms, each WindWing is estimated to cut daily fuel consumption by 1.5 tonnes and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 4.7 tonnes (on typical global routes). In late 2024, the company expanded its WindWings portfolio with the launch of new 20m and 24m models, designed to save 0.7 tonnes of fuel per day on average.
“Wind-assisted propulsion is no longer theoretical,” says John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. “With both Bureau Veritas and DNV certifications in place, WindWings is now primed for scale, offering tangible emissions reductions and fuel savings for the global fleet.”
Union Maritime will be among the first operators to install BV-approved WindWings, with multiple installations planned. This follows earlier installations already underway, underscoring growing confidence in wind propulsion as a commercially viable decarbonisation pathway.
The Bureau Veritas certification follows TADC approval from DNV in 2023, making WindWings one of the few wind propulsion systems endorsed by multiple IACS-class societies. Additional approvals from other classification bodies are expected in the coming months.
“This approval is the result of deep technical collaboration between our teams,” says Yannis Calogeras, marine chief executive, Bureau Veritas. “WindWings demonstrates how innovation and compliance can work hand in hand to meet the industry’s climate targets.”
As pressure mounts to meet IMO and EU decarbonisation targets, solutions like WindWings are gaining attention for their immediate impact and ‘ease’ of integration. The system’s modular design and retrofit capability make it particularly attractive for shipowners seeking near-term emissions cuts without waiting for future fuel technologies.
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