ship.energy

BAR Technologies predicts wind propulsion surge by 2026

 John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, predicts that by 2026, wind power will dominate, with half of all suitable new vessels equipped with some form of the propulsion technology.

To ensure a smooth transition, Cooper and his team have embarked on a global outreach campaign—coined their ‘world tour’—to engage key stakeholders and prepare them for the shift.

‘By 2026, half the vessels, half the suitable vessels that are ordered, I believe will have wind propulsion,’ Cooper told ship.energy at SMM 2024, underscoring BAR Technologies’ vision of a more sustainable shipping future.

Central to this effort is stakeholder engagement. ‘We’re embarking on what we call a world tour,’ Cooper explained. ‘We recognise that customers are one thing, but we’ve got to engage the stakeholders.’ These stakeholders include ports, shipowners, regulatory bodies, and pilots, all of whom play a crucial role in the adoption and integration of wind propulsion technologies.

Cooper emphasised the importance of working closely with pilots as part of this initiative: ‘Pilots are another key group of stakeholders. These guys have got to get on board these vessels when they come into the port, so we’re getting them ready for this change.’ By meeting with pilots, BAR Technologies aims to ensure they are comfortable with the Windwings and can safely board vessels equipped with the new technology.

As part of this extensive outreach, Cooper and his team are meeting with major industry players such as ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and the US Coast Guard, ensuring that every aspect of the maritime chain is prepared for the coming wave of wind propulsion. ‘We want [stakeholders] to welcome it rather than be concerned about it,’ Cooper added.

With the company already securing major deals, such as an order for Windwings on 20 new tankers from Union Maritime, and their partnership with China Merchants to establish a production line in Shanghai, BAR Technologies is aiming to scale quickly as wind propulsion becomes more commonly adopted.

Image: UML 

Tom Barlow-Brown