BAR Technologies joins INTERCARGO as Associate Member to advance sustainable bulk shipping
BAR Technologies, a global leader in wind propulsion and maritime decarbonisation, has joined the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) as an Associate Member. The move reflects BAR Technologies' deepening commitment to industry collaboration, policy engagement and the rapid scaling of clean technology in bulk shipping.
BAR Technologies' WindWings®, based on its patented three-element rigid wing design, delivers best-in-class aerodynamic thrust, automatically adapting its geometry in real-time to the apparent wind. The wings have already been retrofitted onto large bulk carriers, including ‘Pyxis Ocean’ (Kamsarmax owned by MC Shipping and chartered by Cargill) and ‘Berge Olympus’ (Newcastlemax owned by Berge Bulk and chartered by Vale) and have been installed on the newbuild ‘Brands Hatch’ (LR2 tanker owned by Union Maritime Limited) with each wing delivering an average of 1.5tonnes of daily fuel savings.
Scalable, fully automated and easily integrated, WindWings® is emerging as a leading solution for shipowners and charterers aiming to meet the IMO's 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
BAR Technologies' membership comes as maritime regulations become increasingly stringent globally. In the European Union, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation has introduced a Wind Reward Factor (WRF), allowing vessels equipped with wind propulsion systems to reduce their reported emissions intensity by up to 5% simply by installing them. Rigid wing systems, where WindWings® stand out for their high thrust, offer clear advantages over those systems that require continuous powering for spinning (flettner rotors) or suction fans (turbo sails).
The company's deployment on Brands Hatch, the world's first newbuild tanker fitted with WindWings®, is expected to deliver a 30% improvement in emissions performance compared to comparable modern vessels, saving around 1,300 tonnes of fuel and more than 4,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. That success has been followed by confirmed installations on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, which are due to launch in 2027, well ahead of key IMO milestones.
John Cooper (pictured), CEO of BAR Technologies, said: "Joining INTERCARGO is more than a symbolic step; it's a practical move to ensure that real-world, deployable technologies, specifically rigid wind propulsion systems led by WindWings®, have a voice in the industry's most critical conversations. Dry bulk shipping is uniquely positioned to lead the charge on maritime decarbonisation.”