Wind must belong in IMO Net-Zero Framework, says BAR Technologies

BAR Technologies has joined calls from the International Windship Association (IWSA) for the IMO to formally recognise wind propulsion as a cornerstone of its Net-Zero Framework (NZF), ahead of the MEPC 2nd Extraordinary Session (MEPC/ES.2) that opens in London today. 

The IWSA submission to MEPC/ES.2 emphasises: “Wind is free at source and the only truly zero-emission energy available at scale to the global fleet today.” By systematically integrating wind within the NZF, the IMO can deliver a framework that is neutral, transparent, and fair, positioning wind alongside alternative fuels and energy efficiency solutions.

The submission further stresses what IWSA calls ‘emerging industry consensus’ around several key principles:

- Neutrality, Not Exceptions – Wind must be recognised as a zero-carbon energy source, with full inclusion in intensity and compliance frameworks.

- Data and Verification – IWSA proposes streamlined methods to capture and validate wind energy contributions through the IMO Data Collection System.

- Fair Access to Funding – Wind propulsion should be proportionately rewarded within the NZF Fund, supporting early fleet-scale adoption.

- Scalability and Co-benefits – Wind delivers fuel savings, operational resilience, and immediate emissions reductions—available for both newbuilds and retrofits.

- Maintain a Global Lane – A unified NZF is far more effective than fragmented national regimes, ensuring competitiveness and clarity for all actors.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, commented: “As a company delivering scalable, commercially ready wind propulsion solutions such as WindWings® and AeroBridge®, we see every day the real-world impact these technologies can have in reducing emissions. But without consistent recognition at the regulatory level, adoption will be slower and the cost of transition higher. The IMO has a golden opportunity to show global leadership by embracing wind within the NZF. We can accelerate the path to maritime decarbonisation.”

The IWSA’s proposal gives the IMO a clear roadmap to ensure wind’s contribution is properly accounted for, enabling faster emissions reductions at lower cost and establishing wind as a permanent partner to the fuels of tomorrow. It urges MEPC/ES.2 to:

- Adopt the Net-Zero Framework and confirm the October implementation timeline.

- Ensure consistent treatment of wind energy across standards, compliance tools, and fund allocations, in line with the IMO’s neutrality commitments.

- Allocate resources to support implementation, including a GHG subcommittee if necessary.

This is a decisive moment, concludes BAR Technologies. If integrated properly, wind propulsion can “convert today’s headwinds into tomorrow’s momentum”, and the company stands ready to deliver the innovation needed to make that future a reality