Simulation & Performance Engineer - BAR Technologies

Will Hopes Photo

Will Hopes is a Performance & Simulation Engineer at BAR Technologies, specialising in wind-assisted propulsion and maritime decarbonisation. His work sits at the intersection of simulation, real-world data and commercial application, helping to define how wind propulsion performance is measured, validated and understood across the industry. 

He plays a central role in advancing performance verification for WindWings®, developing methodologies that combine high-fidelity modelling with continuous, real-world measurement from operational vessels. This work is contributing to a broader industry shift toward more transparent, standardised approaches to performance assessment, a critical step in enabling wind propulsion to scale. 

Will’s focus extends beyond technical validation to the role of data in supporting commercial decision-making. By improving how performance is quantified and communicated, his work helps reduce uncertainty, support contractual alignment and strengthen the investment case for clean propulsion technologies. 

He has presented at leading industry forums, including RINA, where he has addressed the challenges of scaling wind-assisted propulsion through credible performance validation and the integration of AI-enabled simulation in complex operating environments. His experience includes analysing live vessel data from installations, including Berge Olympus, bridging the gap between theoretical prediction and measurable performance at sea.