HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and BAR Technologies Sign MOU for WindWings® (Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems) Collaboration

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BAR Technologies to integrate WindWings® wind-assisted propulsion systems into newbuild vessels. This strategic collaboration, centered at the Ulsan shipyard, aims to leverage HHI’s shipbuilding expertise to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon intensity for global fleets. By incorporating these innovative wing sails, HHI intends to provide shipowners with advanced technical solutions to meet evolving environmental standards while optimizing the aerodynamic performance of modern merchant vessels.

The adoption of WindWings® technology is a direct response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 regulations, specifically the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) under MARPOL Annex VI. Compliance departments must now prioritize these retrofits or newbuild specifications to ensure vessels maintain favorable ratings and avoid operational restrictions. Furthermore, these systems must adhere to strict classification society requirements regarding structural integrity and stability, ensuring that wind-assisted propulsion remains compliant with SOLAS Chapter II-1 standards during heavy weather operations.

For navigating officers and masters, the integration of WindWings® necessitates a shift in operational awareness. These officers must now account for aerodynamic forces and wind-assisted propulsion dynamics during voyage planning and route optimization. Navigating officers will need to undergo specific training to manage the automated wing sail systems, ensuring they are deployed or retracted safely based on real-time weather data to maintain vessel stability and adherence to strict safety management system protocols while at sea.