World’s Most Powerful Wind-Assisted Cargo Ship Now In Operation

BRANDS HATCH, the world’s first newbuild Aframax tanker using wind-assisted propulsion, has been successfully delivered by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) to Union Maritime Limited (UML).

The 114,000-deadweight-tonne vessel is now officially the most powerful cargo ship of its kind powered by wind support. It was formally named at a ceremony held on June 11, 2025 at the SWS shipyard in Shanghai.

The vessel is fitted with three WindWings®-rigid, sail-like structures that each stand 37.5 meters tall. These have been designed by UK-based BAR Technologies.

The WindWings® are built to intelligently adjust both their angle and camber depending on wind conditions, improving aerodynamic performance and providing extra thrust to move the vessel forward.

According to independent assessments, these wings can cut daily fuel consumption by as much as 14.5 tonnes and lower carbon dioxide emissions by up to 45 tonnes when wind conditions are ideal and the ship is traveling at 20 knots. Over a typical operational year, the ship is expected to save 12% in fuel use, reducing CO₂ emissions by almost 5,000 tonnes annually.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) served as the classification society for the vessel and played a key role in the delivery of BRANDS HATCH. This marks the first time a classification society in China has supported the use of wind-assisted propulsion on a crude oil tanker.

LR provided full technical services from the early design stage to final delivery. This included the Approval in Principle (AiP), hazard identification (HAZID) and hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies, design assessments, and coordination with flag authorities to meet all safety and compliance requirements. LR also supervised the installation process and monitored the sea trials, which confirmed that the vessel and its new wind propulsion system performed safely and effectively.

One senior surveyor and lead specialist from LR’s Marine & Offshore team in North Europe shared that this project represents a major step toward adopting wind propulsion on large ocean-going vessels.

Another LR specialist based in China said that BRANDS HATCH is the first vessel in the country to be equipped with the wind-wing system. They explained that LR supported the client through every step, from reviewing engineering drawings to testing and commissioning. They also mentioned plans to expand cooperation with shipowners for future applications of this technology.

The CEO of BAR Technologies confirmed that another similar vessel is already under construction at Yangzijiang Shipyard for the same owner. That ship will also use WindWings®, which are being manufactured by China Merchants Energy Tech in Shanghai.

At the naming ceremony in Shanghai, LR’s President of Greater China called BRANDS HATCH a milestone in commercial shipbuilding. He said that the successful delivery shows how close cooperation between LR and Chinese shipyards is helping to bring new, environmentally friendly technologies into the global shipping sector.

Reference: LR