Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has played a key role in the successful delivery of BRANDS HATCH, the world’s first new Aframax tanker equipped with wind-assisted propulsion technology.
Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) for Union Maritime Limited (UML), the 114,000 DWT vessel has become the most powerful wind-assisted cargo ship in operation. The naming ceremony for BRANDS HATCH took place at the SWS shipyard in Shanghai last week.
Classed by LR, the tanker is equipped with three 37.5-meter rigid WindWings® developed by UK-based BAR Technologies. These sails feature intelligent angle and curvature adjustment for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, providing additional thrust that reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Under ideal wind conditions of 20 knots, the system can reduce daily fuel consumption to 14.5 tonnes and cut CO₂ emissions by 45 tonnes per day. Under typical operating conditions, the vessel is expected to achieve an annual fuel saving of 12%, equivalent to a reduction of nearly 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
LR is the first classification society in China to support the implementation of wind-assisted propulsion on a crude oil tanker, providing a full range of technical services from the design stage to delivery. This included Approval in Principle (AiP), HAZID/HAZOP processes, design assessment, and coordination with flag authorities to ensure that the WindWings® installation met stringent safety and compliance standards. LR also supervised the installation process and sea trials, which confirmed the system’s performance and seakeeping capabilities.
