BAR Technologies pushes wind propulsion for immediate shipping decarbonisation

A study by EY Greece warns that the maritime sector’s path to net‑zero will be uneven, capital‑intensive and constrained by fuel availability, infrastructure, shipyard capacity and fragmented incentives. In response, BAR Technologies argues that the industry is focusing too much on future fuels and should instead deploy proven solutions now. The company highlights wind propulsion, which is already delivering measurable fuel and emissions savings on commercial vessels. According to the International Windship Association, more than 100 large cargo ships – over five million tonnes of deadweight – are now equipped with wind‑assistance technology, a five‑fold increase since May 2022. BAR Technologies plans to have ten vessels operating with 23 WindWings® installed by the end of 2026, saving roughly 100 t of CO₂ per day. CEO John Cooper says wind propulsion requires no new fuel‑production facilities or bunkering infrastructure and that commercial and financial barriers, not technical ones, must be removed. The ship.energy platform continues to support the maritime energy transition by providing information, events and training on cleaner marine fuels and technologies.