As the International Maritime Organization meets in London to finalize its Net-Zero Framework, BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper says wind power must be part of the equation. He believes wind is not a futuristic concept, but a ready and proven solution to cut emissions today.
The shipping industry is standing at a turning point this week as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) gathers in London for its second Extraordinary Session on the Net-Zero Framework. The outcome could shape how the global fleet moves toward decarbonization—and whether wind propulsion finally gets the recognition its supporters believe it deserves.
BAR Technologies, a leading developer of wind propulsion systems, has joined calls urging the IMO to formally include wind energy within its Net-Zero Framework. The company’s CEO, John Cooper, said the decision will define how fast the sector can transition.
“As a company delivering scalable, commercially ready wind propulsion solutions such as WindWings and AeroBridge, we see every day the real-world impact these technologies can have in reducing emissions,” Cooper said. “But without consistent recognition at the regulatory level, adoption will be slower and the cost of transition higher.”
The International Windship Association (IWSA) has also made a clear case to the IMO. In its submission to the session, the group wrote, “Wind is free at source and the only truly zero-emission energy available at scale to the global fleet today.” The IWSA argues that integrating wind power into the framework is essential to ensure fairness, transparency, and neutrality across all clean energy options.
Industry players say that without consistent treatment, distortions could emerge in technology uptake and funding. The Net-Zero Framework, if designed well, could guide investment and help the market identify reliable solutions.
Wind propulsion, once seen as experimental, is now widely viewed as practical and scalable. It can be applied to both newbuilds and retrofitted vessels, offering immediate fuel savings and emissions reductions.
“The IMO has a golden opportunity to show global leadership by embracing wind within the NZF,” Cooper added. “We can accelerate the path to maritime decarbonisation.”
For advocates like Cooper and the IWSA, the message is simple. The technology exists. The data supports it. What remains is for global regulators to give wind the place it deserves in shipping’s clean energy future.
