BAR Technologies has signed a second manufacturing partnership for its wing sail system.
The deal is with Ampere Group subsidiary Nervion Naval Offshore, which has factories in Spain.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of an announcement of a similar sales and manufacturing partnership with China Merchants to build BAR Technologies’ WindWings systems.
While the China Merchants partnership is focused on the newbuilding market, the Nervion deal is also targeting the retrofit market, which BAR expects to grow on the back of increased regulations.
Nervion, which has experience in the offshore wind market, will take responsibility for the procurement, construction, installation and maintenance of the BAR WindWings system in Europe. It has also been charged with crew training.
The deal leaves BAR Technologies free to work on new designs and offerings.
“In light of the evolving European Union emissions guidelines and the potential for cost-effective auxiliary wind propulsion, the creation of a European producer for BAR’s WindWings is considered a crucial step toward achieving worldwide decarbonisation within the shipping industry,” the UK-based wind system maker said.
Interest in wind assist solutions is growing, with system makers announcing deals with shipowners who are eyeing the future regulatory framework of the EU and the International Maritime Organization, as well as the possibility of higher cost of alternative fuels.
