On June 16, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, signed and delivered the world’s first wind-assisted propulsion Aframax product tanker “BRANDS HATCH” (H1593) for Union Maritime Limited (UML), a British company.
“BRANDS HATCH” is 249.95 meters long and 44 meters wide, and it can carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil products. The vessel is equipped with three sets of hard wing sails. According to the design indicators, under ideal sea conditions with a wind speed of 20 knots, the system can save an average of 14.5 tons of fuel per day and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 45 tons. Under normal sea conditions, it can save an average of about 12% of fuel consumption per year and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 5,000 tons per year. The energy-saving effect is significant and meets the latest environmental protection standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its sail system can automatically adjust the angle according to wind speed and heading, realize intelligent coordination with the main engine, provide additional power for the vessel, and provide an innovative model for the green transformation of the global shipping industry.
According to reports, “BRANDS HATCH” has adopted the WindWings wing sail technology developed by British ship engineering consulting firm BAR Technologies (BARTech), with production carried out by CM Energy, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group. In March last year, UML announced that it would install WindWings wing sails on two 114,000 DWT Aframax oil tankers currently under construction at SWS. This is a wind-powered propulsion technology designed by BARTech, aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from vessels.
WindWings was developed by BARTech and is being promoted in collaboration with Yara Marine Technologies. Simulation experiments show that WindWings can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 30% in average sailing conditions. As an advanced wind-assisted propulsion and route optimization system, WindWings is equipped with large solid wingsails up to 45 meters high, installed on the deck of bulk carriers, which convert wind energy into kinetic energy.
On a typical global route, each WindWings wing sail can save up to 1.5 tons of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 5 tons per day. In addition, WindWings wing sail technology can be used in conjunction with route optimization systems to adjust rigid sails based on wind conditions, speed, and route.
Upon delivery, “BRANDS HATCH” will ensure full compliance with global sustainability standards through 2030, including achieving the maximum 5% wind energy bonus factor specified by FuelEU Maritime, thereby eliminating the need for alternative fuels. Additionally, the WindWings solution is classified as a zero greenhouse gas energy source, which can “enhance” the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) of oil tankers and support compliance with the newly adopted International Maritime Organization Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) standard requirements.