The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry continues to play a leading role in driving real-world innovation across the maritime industry. In July 2025, Union Maritime announced it had partnered with BAR Technologies to deploy the first large-scale wind propulsion system aboard its newly ordered series of Long Range 2 (LR2) dual-fuel tankers. The tankers, which will be built to RMI specifications, will deploy BAR Technologies’ WindWings® systems. This follows the successful delivery of Union Maritime’s Brands Hatch in the second quarter of 2025, the first newbuild LR2 tanker featuring WindWings®.
“There is growing momentum behind wind as an alternative energy in the race to meet decarbonization targets,” noted Simon Bonnett, Chief Maritime Officer for International Registries, Inc., which provides administrative and technical support to the RMI Registry. “The RMI Registry’s leadership in alternative fuels and advanced technologies, and our specialized technical teams provide clients with confidence for implementing next-generation solutions like WindWings®.”
Union Maritime’s newly ordered 250-meter tankers will be equipped with dual 37.5-meter WindWings® systems. These systems are expected to deliver an estimated 2,300 tons of CO₂ savings per vessel annually. Designed by SDARI, the vessels will be classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore and built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry. With steel cutting planned for November 2025 and delivery scheduled in early 2027, the tankers are expected to enter service ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets.
BAR Technologies’ WindWings® system is a three-element wing design, delivering 2.5 times the lift of a single-element wing, and requires no continuous power for suction fans or mechanical spinning, offering optimized efficiency.
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With dedicated technical teams for the Oil and Gas, and Renewable sectors, the RMI Maritime Administrator (the “Administrator”) has positioned itself at the forefront of innovative alternative fuel projects. An active participant in joint industry projects focused on wind-assisted ship propulsion and alternative fuels, RMI’s specialized technical teams provide hands-on technical support backed by experience.
“As owners and operators navigate the path to IMO 2030 and beyond, projects like this highlight how innovative design, proven performance, and sound regulatory frameworks can deliver practical, forward-looking solutions,” Simon added. “The Administrator is committed to ensuring that new technologies, such as WindWings®, can be safely and effectively integrated into the fleet to meet the demands of IMO 2030 and beyond,” he concluded.
The RMI fleet currently includes several vessels deploying a range of alternative fuel or energy solutions, including wind propulsion, dual-fuel liquified natural gas (LNG), hybrid technology, and more. These solutions are used aboard a wide-range of RMI-flagged vessels, from floating offshore platforms to cruise ships and yachts. The Administrator’s specialized technical teams are located across the world, providing guidance, technical expertise, and compliance leadership throughout a vessel’s lifecycle.
