June 20, 2025
Brands Hatch, the world’s first newbuild Aframax tanker equipped with wind-assisted propulsion, has been successfully delivered by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) for Union Maritime Limited (UML). At 114,000 dwt, Brands Hatch is now the most powerful wind-assisted cargo vessel in operation.
According to Lloyd’s Register (LR), the vessel is fitted with three WindWings. Each standing 37.5 metres tall, the sails are designed for intelligent aerodynamic adjustment in both angle and camber, enabling optimal aerodynamic performance. This innovation provides additional thrust, significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Performance data confirms that the Brands Hatch tanker has achieved significant fuel and emissions reductions, with daily savings of up to 14.5 tonnes of fuel and up to 45 tonnes of CO₂ under ideal wind conditions, LR informs. In typical operations, it is expected to reduce annual fuel consumption by 12%, avoiding nearly 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
To remind, during the 2025 GREEN4SEA Singapore Forum, Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA), discussed the potential of wind propulsion as a solution for reducing greenhouse gas and climate-impacting emissions in the maritime industry.
Tom Wolodarsky, Senior Surveyor and Lead Specialist WAPS, Marine & Offshore, North Europe, at LR, described the project as a major advance in wind-assisted propulsion for large vessels, highlighting its commercial viability, compliance, and environmental benefits amid increasing decarbonisation pressures. Meanwhile, Tony Han, Lead Specialist for LR, emphasized LR’s comprehensive technical support for the first Chinese vessel equipped with the wind-wing system and expressed the company’s intention to expand collaboration on this innovative technology within the ship industry.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, explained that the WindWings vessel is part of UML’s broader energy transition strategy, with additional similar vessels already in progress under LR Class, including one at Yangzijiang Shipyard.
At the naming ceremony, Sau Weng Tang, LR President of Greater China, called the Brands Hatch project a significant milestone demonstrating strong cooperation between LR and Chinese shipyards, ensuring the vessel meets the highest international standards for safety, performance, and compliance.
