On June 11, 2025, China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) named and launched the groundbreaking Brands Hatch, the world’s first wind-assisted LR2 (Long Range 2) oil tanker. Built for UK-based Union Maritime Ltd (UML), the vessel is the lead ship in a series of 14 LR2 tankers equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
The 114,000-dwt Aframax-class tanker spans 250 meters in length and 44 meters in beam, capable of carrying approximately 800,000 barrels of crude oil. Its innovative design incorporates three 37.5-meter-tall rigid WindWings, developed by BAR Technologies (UK) and manufactured by China’s CM Energy Tech (CMET). These sails harness wind power to supplement propulsion, significantly cutting fuel consumption.
Lloyd’s Register, the first classification society in China to verify wing sail-powered tankers, provided technical support. In optimal conditions, the system can save an average of 14.5 tons of fuel daily, which is equivalent to 45 tons of CO₂ emissions. It can thus achieve an annual fuel reduction of 12% and nearly 5,000 tons of carbon savings. Each WindWing contributes roughly 1.5 tons of daily fuel savings, cutting over five tons of CO₂ emissions per day.
A key construction challenge was seamlessly integrating the smart sail-assist system. Engineers overcame this by deploying advanced laser positioning and high-precision mechanisms, ensuring reliable operation of the massive sails even in harsh sea conditions.
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