BAR Technologies Brings WindWings® Expertise to INTERCARGO in Push for Cleaner Shipping

BAR Technologies (BAR) has become an Associate Member of the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO). The membership is a move towards the company’s growing role in shaping the future of cleaner, more sustainable shipping. 

At present, the shipping industry is known for its high carbon intensity and is responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is under increasing pressure to cut emissions and adopt cleaner technologies across the global fleet.

BAR Technologies, a pioneer in wind propulsion and maritime decarbonization, is best known for its WindWings® system, a rigid, wind-assisted propulsion technology now operating on several major bulk carriers.

“Joining INTERCARGO is more than a symbolic step; it’s a practical move to ensure that real-world, deployable technologies, specifically rigid wind propulsion systems led by WindWings®, have a voice in the industry’s most critical conversations. Dry bulk shipping is uniquely positioned to lead the charge on maritime decarbonisation,” said John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies.

WindWings® is based on a patented three-element rigid wing design that adjusts automatically to wind conditions in real time. The system generates aerodynamic thrust to reduce reliance on fuel, helping ships lower both costs and carbon emissions. Each wing saves around 1.5 tonnes of fuel per day. Unlike other wind-assisted systems, such as Flettner rotors and turbo sails, WindWings® stands out because of its advantages.

It has already been installed on major vessels, including the Pyxis Ocean (owned by MC Shipping and chartered by Cargill), Berge Olympus (owned by Berge Bulk and chartered by Vale), and Brands Hatch, a new LR2 tanker from Union Maritime Limited.

According to BAR, Brands Hatch, the world’s first newbuild tanker fitted with WindWings®, can cut carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to similar vessels. This equates to roughly 1,300 tonnes of fuel and more than 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved each year. Two new dual-fuel LR2 tankers, both planned for delivery in 2027, will also be fitted with WindWings®.

The timing of BAR’s INTERCARGO membership is significant, as regulation begins to catch up with innovation. The European Union’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation has introduced a Wind Reward Factor (WRF). Under the said regulation, the ships that install wind propulsion systems are allowed to reduce their reported emissions intensity by up to 5%. As global policies evolve, shipowners and charterers are seeking solutions that are not just experimental, but proven, dependable, and ready to scale.

“At BAR Technologies, we’re proud to offer the tools, data, and engineering expertise to help drive this transition. We look forward to working alongside INTERCARGO members to share operational insights and enable data-led decisions that accelerate change. The challenge now is clear: we must move from ambition to action and bring proven solutions to scale,” Cooper said.

As an Associate Member, BAR Technologies contributes its expertise in hull optimisation, aerodynamic design, and systems such as its AeroBridge® structure. These innovations aim to make dry cargo shipping more efficient.

INTERCARGO represents some of the largest dry bulk operators in the world. With BAR Technologies now part of the conversation, there is fresh energy behind the industry’s push for practical, scalable solutions that reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

“This partnership is about momentum,” Cooper said. “By engaging with like-minded leaders, we can support the technical readiness and regulatory alignment needed to turn decarbonisation from a goal into an industry standard.”

source vesselperformance