With the current US administration reported to have withdrawn from climate policy negotiations at the IMO MEPC meeting, wind assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) developer BAR Technologies has stressed the role that credible, proven solutions such as WAPS can play.
The US withdrawal, confirmed via diplomatic communication to other IMO delegations, expressed strong opposition to the economic measures under discussion, including the proposed levy on GHG emissions and a mandatory fuel standard. The US statement described the IMO’s net zero ambitions as economically burdensome and reliant on what it characterised as ‘unproven fuels’ while warning of potential retaliatory measures against any charges imposed on US-flagged vessels.
Reacting to these developments, BAR Technologies’ CEO John Cooper stressed that the industry must not allow political turbulence to derail progress towards shipping’s climate goals. He stated that wind propulsion remains an essential, deployable technology that can provide immediate and scalable emissions reductions, regardless of the regulatory headwinds.
Cooper said: “This latest development only sharpens the industry’s need to prioritise solutions that are already available and proven in operation. Wind propulsion is a tried and tested method of reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It is inherently zero-emission, freely available, and requires no external supply chain. With WindWings, we’ve demonstrated that wind-assisted propulsion solution is not a theoretical concept but a working solution that can deliver commercial and environmental benefits right now.”
BAR Technologies has long championed wind as a central pillar of shipping’s decarbonisation strategy, particularly as fuel markets remain volatile and regulatory alignment proves difficult. With vessels already operating with WindWings installed, the company believes the maritime sector has a clear opportunity to take ownership of its decarbonisation pathway, using technologies that are resilient to the kind of geopolitical shifts currently playing out on the global stage.
As MEPC 83 continues its high-stakes negotiations this week in London, BAR Technologies urges policymakers and industry leaders alike to acknowledge the unique potential of wind propulsion, not only as a bridge to cleaner fuels but as a cornerstone of energy transition in its own right.
According to BAR, wind remains the only energy source that can be captured and used directly onboard a ship without mining, refining, bunkering, or storing. In a time when consensus is difficult and timelines are tight, wind propulsion stands out as an immediate, inclusive and scalable solution. WindWings are built on BAR Technologies’ patented three-element wing design, estimated to deliver 2.5 times more lift than traditional single-element configurations, reducing CO2 emissions by an average of 4.7t per day per wing This design is considered to provide greater thrust and adaptability, enabling consistent performance across global trade routes. By unlocking the full potential of wind, a limitless, natural and zero-emission resource, WindWings can elevate wind from a supplementary aid to a primary propulsion method, offering ship operators a practical and immediate pathway to reduce fossil fuel dependency while enhancing operational resilience.
Image: BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper (source: BAR Technologies)
