Lloyd’s Register Approves BAR Technologies’ CFD-Based P-Wind Methodology, Setting Benchmark for Wind-Assist Certification
(Portsmouth, UK – 11 November 2025) — BAR Technologies has marked a further landmark in the commercialisation of wind propulsion, with Lloyd’s Register (LR) independently reviewing and approving the company’s methodology for calculating P-Wind – the amount of power that is generated by WindWings® installations. The approval confirms that BAR Technologies’ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach and resulting force matrix align with IMO guidance (MEPC.1/Circ.896) and ITTC verification standards, enabling owners to quantify regulatory benefits under EEDI and EEXI with confidence.
Following a detailed technical review, LR has approved BAR Technologies’ submission as acceptable across every assessment category, from CFD code specification and boundary conditions to grid independence, validation against experimental data, and the generation of the installation-specific force/wind matrix. The outcome provides shipowners with a transparent, class-reviewed pathway to calculate the propulsive contribution of WindWings® systems without resorting to lengthy full-scale trials.
For the industry, the significance is immediate. By establishing a class-approved model that can be applied across vessel series, BAR Technologies has removed a major barrier to adoption: uncertainty over evidencing wind-assist performance within statutory efficiency frameworks. Future projects can now follow a proven, streamlined approval route, cutting lead times and engineering costs.
“This approval from Lloyd’s Register moves the conversation from promise to proof,” said John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. “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. We are determined that the buying of a wind propulsion system from BAR Technologies requires no risk taking from the owners whatsoever. We deploy be best system with full transparency.”
Steve Windrim, Senior Client Relationship Manager, LR – Account Lead for BAR Technologies, added: “Our review of BAR Technologies’ methodology confirms its robustness against current international references for innovative energy-efficiency technologies. Independent reviews such as this give owners and yards the confidence that wind-assist solutions are being quantified to recognised technical standards, supporting safe and effective integration as the sector accelerates towards decarbonisation.”
BAR Technologies’ studies demonstrate significant power contributions from WindWings® that translate directly into measurable engine-power reductions under IMO rules. The work spans recent applications on large product tankers under construction at major Asian shipyards, establishing a repeatable template for subsequent WindWings® installations on these and other vessel types to gain LR approval.
The achievement builds on BAR Technologies’ expanding collaboration with global classification societies, reinforcing its reputation for rigorous, science-led innovation. As with its earlier Bureau Veritas type-approval milestone, the company continues to set the benchmark for how wind propulsion moves from prototype to regulated reality.
About BAR Technologies
With an impressive heritage, having spun out of Great Britain’s former America’s Cup Team, BAR Technologies provides a wide range of design and engineering consultancy services across commercial ships, workboats, leisure boats, and engineered solutions. The company boasts a team of world-leading naval architects, optimisation specialists, fluid dynamists, and system engineers, all focused on delivering next-generation maritime technology.
About WindWings®
BAR Technologies’ patented three-element wing design is unique in the marketplace, delivering 2.5 times the lift of a single-element wing. Unlike other wind-assisted propulsion systems, WindWings® require no continuous power for suction fans or mechanical spinning. They automatically adjust camber and angle of attack for optimised efficiency at the most angles and wind speeds, offering a proven, scalable solution for emissions reduction.
Offering on average 1.5 tonnes of fuel saving per WindWing® per day, the 37.5m WindWings® has taken its place as the most powerful wind-assisted technology on the market.
About Lloyd’s Register
Trusted maritime and energy sector advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education
www.lr.org
