Union Maritime’s wind-assisted Aframax tanker receives BV classification
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has awarded its WIND PROPULSION-1 class notation to ALBERT PARK, a 114,000 DWT wind-assisted Aframax product tanker owned by Union Maritime and built by Yangzhou COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry.
The vessel, officially named in September 2026, is equipped with three rigid WindWings aerofoil sails developed by UK-based BAR Technologies. According to Bureau Veritas, it is the first wind-assisted Aframax product tanker constructed by the Chinese shipyard.
The installation is designed to supplement the vessel’s conventional propulsion system by generating additional thrust from wind energy, reducing the load on the main engine and potentially lowering fuel consumption.
WindWings system designed to reduce fuel consumption
Each WindWings sail measures 37.5 metres in height and has a span of 19.7 metres, with the three sails providing a combined area of 738 square metres.
The system uses a three-element aerofoil arrangement comprising a main wing and adjustable flaps. Its positioning is automatically adjusted according to wind conditions to optimise the aerodynamic forces contributing to vessel propulsion.
According to performance assessments cited by Bureau Veritas, ALBERT PARK could achieve fuel savings of up to 4.5 tonnes per day under favourable operating conditions. This would correspond to an estimated reduction of approximately 14.1 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day.
The figures represent assessed potential savings rather than verified average fuel consumption reductions during commercial operation.
Bureau Veritas awards wind propulsion notation
Bureau Veritas has awarded ALBERT PARK the WIND PROPULSION-1 class notation, confirming that the installation meets its requirements for the integration and operation of wind-assisted propulsion systems.
The WindWings technology has also received Approval in Principle and Design Type Approval from the classification society.
In addition, the tanker has been assigned several other class notations, including CLEANSHIP, GREEN PASSPORT, EGCS-SCRUBBER, ERS-S and BWT, covering environmental protection, emissions-related systems and other technical requirements.
Bureau Veritas provided classification services, technical guidance and verification throughout the vessel’s design and construction.
The project brings together Union Maritime, Yangzhou COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, BAR Technologies and Bureau Veritas in the application of wind-assisted propulsion technology to a large product tanker.
The announcement follows Union Maritime’s broader investment in wind propulsion systems across its tanker fleet, with several vessels already equipped with alternative wind-assist technologies.
