Union Maritime has taken delivery of ‘Spa’, an LNG dual-fuel LR2 tanker, built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, featuring two WindWings, developed by BAR Technologies and manufactured by CMET.
Spa is thought to be the first dual-fuelled LR2 tanker equipped with WindWings, reinforcing Union Maritime’s leadership in the deployment of advanced wind-assisted propulsion technologies. The vessel has been designed to deliver substantial emissions reductions without compromising operational efficiency or commercial performance. Performance assessments indicate an almost 50% improvement against the IMO EEDI baseline and close to a 30% improvement against the EEDI Phase 3 level.
Spa forms part of Union Maritime’s LR2 newbuild series. A sister vessel is scheduled for delivery in March, further strengthening the company’s modern fleet. The tanker is intended to remain compliant with FuelEU Maritime regulations, including Phase 3 requirements, through to 2040. By combining LNG dual-fuel capability with wind-assisted propulsion, Spa demonstrates how multiple decarbonisation technologies can work together to achieve meaningful emissions reductions today, while retaining flexibility for future fuel pathways.
Laurent Cadji, Union Maritime MD, said: “The delivery of MT Spa marks an important step in the delivery of our long-term strategy. By combining LNG dual-fuel capability with wind-assisted propulsion, we are investing in solutions that deliver tangible emissions reductions today, while retaining the flexibility required for the future. This approach underpins our fleet renewal programme and our commitment to decarbonisation at scale.”
John Cooper, CEO BAR Technologies, added: “This collaboration with Union Maritime represents exactly the kind of industry leadership needed to drive real change. Spa isn’t just a new vessel; it’s a statement of intent. The combination of LNG dual-fuel capability with WindWings is a powerful way to future-proof vessels built today, delivering real emissions reductions and maintaining flexibility for the fuels of the future. Together with our manufacturing partner, CMET, we’ve brought together world-class British design and Chinese industrial capability to deliver WindWings at commercial scale. This is wind-assisted propulsion as it should be – scalable, operational and ready to meet the toughest sustainability challenges the industry faces today.”
Image: LR2 tanker ‘Spa’ (credit: Union Maritime)
