BAR Technologies and Union Maritime secure regulatory approval for wind-assisted MR2 tankers at Wuhu Shipyard, further scaling zero-emission innovation in the global fleet.

The Marshall Islands Flag State Administration and Bureau Veritas have formally approved SOLAS equivalency proposals submitted by Union Maritime and BAR Technologies for two MR2 tankers under construction at Wuhu Shipyard, China. The vessels will be equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings^® advanced wind propulsion systems designed to significantly reduce fuel use and emissions.

The approvals cover detailed equivalency proposals addressing bridge visibility, navigation-light placement and radar line-of-sight, critical compliance factors affected by the installation of wing sails. They build on the momentum of recent LR2 approvals at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and the successful installation on SWS Brands Hatch, further demonstrating that WindWings^® can be safely integrated into a variety of tanker designs.

By resolving these navigational challenges within the existing SOLAS framework, the approvals provide shipowners with a clear, repeatable pathway to integrate wind propulsion without regulatory delay. This reduces risk and supports faster scaling of emissions reduction across the global fleet.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, states: “This approval is yet another proof point that WindWings® are not only scalable but also compatible with strict international safety requirements. By working closely with flag and class, we’re accelerating decarbonisation without compromise, empowering owners and operators to act now with commercially ready, zero-emission technology.”

Laurent Cadji, Managing Director, Union Maritime, commented: “Following the operational success of Brands Hatch and our LR2 newbuilds, this next phase with the MR2 fleet demonstrates our long-term strategy: deliver decarbonisation at scale, across vessel types. The collaboration with BAR Technologies and our partners continues to show that innovation, compliance and commercial performance can go hand in hand.”

Alex Gregg-Smith, President, Marine & Offshore, Bureau Veritas, added: “We are very pleased to support the approval of WindWings® integration on the MR2 tankers. The successful review of these equivalency arrangements reflects the robustness of the safety case and the maturity of wind propulsion technologies being brought to market.”

Simon Bonnett, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Maritime Administrator, said: “Ensuring that innovative and advanced technologies comply with the requirements and regulations surrounding safe vessel operation is critical to the future of our industry. We appreciate the constructive approach from all stakeholders to support SOLAS compliance.”

The two MR2 vessels (Hull Nos. W23131 to W23132) are due for delivery between 2026 and 2027, extending the proven application of WindWings® into the MR tanker segment and reinforcing their viability across multiple vessel types. With average savings of 1.5 tonnes of fuel and over 4.7 tonnes of CO2 per wing per day, WindWings^® remain the most powerful wind-assisted propulsion technology on the market.

As global regulation and commercial expectations tighten, these approvals confirm that WindWings® can be integrated into fleet operations without waiting for future fuel infrastructure. They offer a viable, near-term solution that delivers measurable emissions reduction while meeting current compliance standards.

At the same time, the ability to deploy technology that are already class- and flag-approved helps reduce uncertainty for shipowners navigating a shifting regulatory landscape. It allows operators to take immediate action on decarbonisation, while retaining the flexibility to adapt as longer-term policy and energy frameworks evolve.