Wind Power Just Got a Major Boost: LR Approves BAR Technologies' Revolutionary P-Wind Calculation Method
Press release 11 November 2025
In a move that could significantly accelerate the adoption of wind-powered shipping, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has given its stamp of approval to BAR Technologies' cutting-edge methodology for calculating P-Wind – the power generated by their innovative WindWings® systems. This endorsement, marked by a handshake between Tom James, Sales Director at BAR Technologies, and Steve Windrim, Senior Client Relationship Manager at LR, represents a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable maritime transport. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just a technical nod; it’s a game-changer for shipowners looking to harness wind energy without the guesswork.
And this is the part most people miss: LR’s approval isn’t just about validating BAR Technologies’ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. It’s about confirming that their force matrix aligns perfectly with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) guidance (MEPC.1/Circ.896) and the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) verification standards. This means shipowners can now confidently quantify the regulatory benefits of WindWings® under the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), without the need for lengthy and costly full-scale trials.
Following an exhaustive technical review, LR has greenlit BAR Technologies’ methodology across every critical assessment category. This includes CFD code specification, boundary conditions, grid independence, validation against experimental data, and the generation of installation-specific force/wind matrices. The result? A transparent, class-reviewed pathway for shipowners to calculate the propulsive contribution of WindWings® systems with precision and confidence.
Why does this matter? For the maritime industry, the implications are immediate and profound. By establishing a class-approved model applicable across vessel series, BAR Technologies has eliminated a major hurdle: the uncertainty surrounding the evidence of wind-assist performance within statutory efficiency frameworks. Future projects can now follow a proven, streamlined approval process, slashing lead times and engineering costs. This isn’t just progress; it’s a paradigm shift.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, aptly sums it up: “This approval from Lloyd’s Register moves the conversation from promise to proof. It shows that our modelling delivers decision-grade numbers trusted by class, and that owners can book real, verifiable P-Wind gains into their EEDI and EEXI submissions today. It’s another milestone in taking wind propulsion from experimental to essential.” Cooper’s bold statement underscores BAR Technologies’ commitment to risk-free adoption, ensuring that shipowners can invest in wind propulsion systems with full transparency and zero uncertainty.
Steve Windrim, Senior Client Relationship Manager at LR and Account Lead for BAR Technologies, adds: “Our review of BAR Technologies’ methodology confirms its robustness against current international references for innovative energy-efficiency technologies. Independent reviews like this give owners and shipyards the confidence that wind-assist solutions are being quantified to recognized technical standards, supporting safe and effective integration as the sector accelerates towards decarbonization.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: While BAR Technologies’ studies demonstrate significant power contributions from WindWings®, translating into measurable engine-power reductions under IMO rules, some industry stakeholders argue that wind propulsion is still too dependent on variable weather conditions. Is wind-assisted propulsion truly reliable enough to become a cornerstone of maritime decarbonization? Or is it just a supplementary solution with limited scalability? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
BAR Technologies’ recent applications on large product tankers under construction at major Asian shipyards provide a repeatable template for subsequent WindWings® installations. This achievement not only solidifies their reputation for rigorous, science-led innovation but also expands their collaboration with global classification societies. As the industry retrofits wind-assisted propulsion systems, BAR Technologies is leading the charge, proving that wind power isn’t just a dream – it’s a data-driven, class-approved reality.
For the latest news and insights on wind-assisted propulsion and maritime decarbonization, stay tuned. The winds of change are blowing, and they’re stronger than ever.
