Brands Hatch Sets Sail with Wind-Powered propulsion
Union Maritime has achieved a significant milestone in the shipping industry with the maiden voyage of the Brands Hatch, the first tanker equipped with BAR Technologies’ WindWings®. The vessel made its inaugural European port call in Rotterdam on September 8, showcasing the potential of wind propulsion technology to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Revolutionizing Shipping with Wind Power
The Brands Hatch has demonstrated the effectiveness of Union Maritime’s investment in wind-assisted propulsion. During its journey, the ship achieved remarkable fuel savings, with over one-third of its propulsion coming from wind power in favorable conditions, even while fully loaded. This innovative technology not only delivered impressive peak performance but also maintained reliable efficiency over extended periods.
In collaboration with its charterers, Union Maritime utilized sail-aware weather routing from Ascenz Marorka, which further enhanced fuel savings compared to traditional routing methods. On this maiden voyage, the three WindWings® on the Brands Hatch collectively saved 12.8 tonnes of fuel within just 24 hours, translating to a reduction of 13 tonnes of CO2 emissions per WindWing® daily. The vessel even recorded sustained peak performance exceeding 18 tonnes of fuel savings per day for six continuous hours, highlighting the long-term viability of wind-assisted shipping.
Brands Hatch leads the charge for Union Maritime’s ambitious fleet of wind-assisted vessels, which is set to become the largest of its kind globally. A significant portion of this fleet will be outfitted with WindWings®, ensuring compliance with international environmental standards through 2030.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Shipping
To prepare for the integration of wind-assisted vessels, Union Maritime has spearheaded Project AeroPower in partnership with Anglo-Eastern, Synergy, Atlantas Ship Management, and BAR Technologies. This initiative aims to ensure the safe and efficient introduction of innovative wind propulsion systems on a global scale.
Laurent Cadji, Managing Director at Union Maritime, expressed pride in the successful voyage of Brands Hatch, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping solutions. He noted that the early performance results underscore the commercial and environmental benefits of wind-assisted propulsion. Cadji highlighted the collaboration with BAR Technologies as a key element in setting new standards for efficiency and responsibility in the maritime industry.
John Cooper from BAR Technologies echoed this sentiment, calling the arrival of Brands Hatch in Europe a landmark moment for maritime sustainability. He emphasized that this voyage marks the first full ocean passage completed by a vessel designed with WindWings®, demonstrating that wind propulsion is ready for commercial-scale application. Cooper affirmed that WindWings® are not just a future concept but a practical solution to the shipping industry’s decarbonization challenges.
As the shipping industry continues to seek innovative ways to reduce its environmental impact, the successful maiden voyage of Brands Hatch serves as a promising example of how wind propulsion technology can lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
