Union Maritime has taken delivery of the LR2 tanker Monza, the third vessel in its newbuild series fitted with WindWings rigid sail technology.
The ship, built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, with WindWings manufactured by CMET, features two 37.5-metre rigid wings alongside LNG propulsion. The three vessels form what is described as the world’s first dual-fuelled LR2 tanker series combining LNG with rigid wing technology.
John Cooper, CEO of developer BAR Technologies, commented: “Monza is the third vessel in a series, and that matters. It shows wind-assisted propulsion is no longer a concept or a one-off installation; it is being delivered consistently on commercial ships. At a time when regulatory direction remains uncertain, the industry cannot afford to wait. WindWings are commercially ready today, delivering measurable emissions reductions while maintaining future fuel flexibility.”
According to BAR Technologies, performance data from earlier WindWings-equipped vessels, including Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus, has demonstrated fuel consumption reductions. The firm added that WindWings deliver up to 2.5 times the lift of conventional single-element systems and operate without additional energy input. The system is fully automated, adjusting in real time to optimise performance across varying wind conditions.
Zhou Kewei, deputy general manager of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, remarked: “The delivery of Monza demonstrates how wind-assisted propulsion can be integrated efficiently across a series of vessels. Through close collaboration with BAR Technologies, we are accelerating the industrialisation of low-carbon ship solutions and supporting the industry’s transition to more sustainable operations.”
Steve Windrim, senior client relationship manager at Lloyd’s Register, said: “The delivery of Monza represents another milestone in embedding wind-assisted propulsion within mainstream shipbuilding. Through rigorous classification processes and close collaboration with project partners, we are supporting the safe adoption of innovative technologies that will play a role in the maritime energy transition.”
Simon Bonnett, deputy commissioner of maritime affairs at the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, stated: “We are proud to support the deployment of technologies such as WindWings that contribute to improving vessel efficiency and reducing emissions from international shipping. Monza highlights how innovative design, proven performance, and sound regulatory frameworks can deliver practical, forward-looking solutions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.”
Lauren Eatwell, head of WindWings at BAR Technologies, noted: “With each vessel, we’re seeing increasing confidence in how wind propulsion can be integrated at scale. This is no longer about proving the technology, it’s about delivering it consistently across fleets, with predictable performance and clear operational benefits.”
