Massive 123-foot wind wings to propel giant tankers and slash CO2

The article discusses the pioneering installation of BAR Technologies' WindWings propulsion system on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, Suzuka and Long Beach, marking one of the first large-scale wind-assisted propulsion deployments for this vessel class. Each 820-foot tanker will be equipped with two 123-foot WindWings, designed using Bernoulli’s principle, aiming to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The project, involving design by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute and construction by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry, follows successful integration of the system on a smaller tanker, Brands Hatch. Construction is set to begin in November 2025, with delivery expected in early 2027. The WindWings system is projected to save about three tons of fuel daily per vessel, cutting approximately 2,300 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to removing over 500 passenger cars from the road. This supports early compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s 2030 targets for greenhouse