UK-based wind-assisted propulsion (WAP) provider Anemoi Marine Technologies has announced another contract win a month after we reported on its latest Vale deal.
The company is to install Rotor Sails on two newbuild chemical tankers under construction for Union Maritime.
The work on the 18,500 DWT vessels will be done at Wuhu Shipyard Co in China after the sails are constructed at Anemoi’s own production facility in the same country. Lauren Eatwell, head of Windwings at Anemoi, discussed the company’s industrial production capability with manufacturing partner China Merchants at last month’s The Motorship’s Propulsion and Future Fuels event in Hamburg and the move seems to be paying dividends.
The newbuilds will support Union Maritime’s strategy of surpassing the 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (based on 2008 levels) required by the IMO’s 2030 indicative checkpoint. According to the company, the use of wind-assisted propulsion will help to ensure that the owner fulfils the IMO requirement that at least 5% of the energy used by 2030 is from zero- or near-zero-emission sources.
With the number of WAP providers growing steadily, with new entrants in the market seen often, why is BAR Technologies winning so many mandates? The company was formed after its 35th campaign in the British America’s Cup team and originally headed up by current Formula One constructor’s and driver’s championship team McLaren senior figure Martin Whitmarsh (who worked at the UK F1 team when it last won the constructor’s title in 1998). Not many competitors can claim similar pedigrees to Anemoi perhaps.
Union Maritime’s decision to partner with Anemoi for this project is reported to reflect its continued commitment to innovation and their confidence in solutions that deliver strong operational performance and long-term value. Union Maritime is said to have looked at competitors to Anemoi’s Rotor Sail technology but the company adapted its previously prepared foundation arrangements to accommodate Union’s system, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration.
“Wind propulsion is central to Union Maritime’s sustainability roadmap and to our collaborative initiative, Project AeroPower, which demonstrates that commitment in action. Partnering with Anemoi reflects our ongoing drive for scalable, high-impact innovation. We believe Anemoi’s Rotor Sail technology will be a powerful enabler of our goal to build the most energy-efficient fleet on the water,” said Bhuvnesh Dogra, chief technical officer of Union Maritime.
Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi, added: “We’re proud to partner with Union Maritime on these forward-looking vessels. Integrating Anemoi Rotor Sails from the outset showcases what can be achieved when innovative owners commit to wind-assisted propulsion. This project highlights the strong operational benefits of our technology and sets a new benchmark for efficient, future-ready chemical tankers.”
