First ship from new wind-assisted tanker fleet embarks on maiden voyage

Union Maritime, a leading UK shipowner, has launched its first wind-assisted vessel, Buran, fitted with state-of-the-art Norsepower Rotor Sails™ designed to harness wind energy and enhance fuel efficiency. 

Its launch marks a major milestone as the company seeks to expand its fleet with 34 wind-assisted ships, including six chemical tankers equipped with Norsepower Rotor Sails™. Once complete, Union Maritime will operate the largest fleet using this technology globally, with the rotor sails expected to generate up to 10% of each vessel’s annual energy needs from wind.  

Founded in 2006, Union Maritime is a pioneer in innovative shipping solutions that owns and operates a modern fleet of high-class tankers and bulk carriers with an average age of just four years. Project AeroPower is a collaborative initiative led by Union Maritime in partnership with key stakeholders committed to safely delivering the transformative benefits of wind-assisted propulsion technology at scale to the maritime industry. 

The first of the AeroPower-branded fleet, the Buran represents a significant step to improve operational efficiency. The Rotor Sails™ on Buran are expected to cut fuel consumption by around 300 tonnes annually – over 2,000 barrels – reducing CO₂ emissions by over 940 tonnes each year. The ship has set sail on its maiden voyage from Taizhou in China to Singapore. 

Analysis carried out in partnership with Ascenz Marorka found that, with the Rotor Sails™ fitted, seeking windier weather on a route rather than just following the shortest path delivered greater fuel savings and emissions reductions.  On a wind-optimised route, a wind-fitted vessel cut CO₂emissions by 6.5% (from 922.9 to 862.9 tonnes) compared to just a 3.1% saving on the shortest route*. 

The delivery of an earlier sister vessel with a ‘wind-ready’ configuration provided an opportunity to model the benefit of wind propulsion technology on real routes. Union Maritime created a digital model comparing a wind-ready vessel with a wind-fitted one. Using this ‘digital twin’ simulation, each real voyage was tested with sails, comparing actual routes with wind-optimised ones designed to maximise wind energy while meeting commercial requirements. 

Further, with the introduction of new regulations, wind propulsion technology also helps to improve compliance. FuelEU Maritime regulations give a ‘reward factor’ of up to 5% on reported greenhouse gas intensity for vessels that use wind propulsion. Buran qualifies for the maximum reward factor, due to the substantial installation of Norsepower Rotor Sails™ on a relatively small vessel, ensuring compliance through to 2030 even without costly alternative fuels. 

Additionally, with wind propulsion reducing the vessel’s emissions, the company will need to purchase fewer EU Allowances (EUAs) under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), resulting in cost savings. 

To ensure crew members are fully equipped to operate these advanced vessels, Union Maritime has partnered with the Warsash Maritime Simulation Centre at Solent University, Southampton, to develop a leading training programme. This comprehensive training includes a 3D model of an AeroPower vessel and simulation tasks encompassing rotor sail dynamics and real-world scenarios, such as severe weather, emergency situations and close-quarters manoeuvring.  

With Buran now in service, Union Maritime is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and economically viable future in global shipping. As it continues to expand its wind-powered fleet, Union Maritime is well positioned to deliver long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for global trade. 

Laurent Cadji, Managing Director of Union Maritime, said: “The launch of Buran marks a pivotal moment for Union Maritime. This is the first of many vessels that will cement our position as leaders in wind-assisted shipping.  

“By adopting Norsepower Rotor Sails™, we are embracing a game-changing technology that not only delivers environmental gains but also unlocks significant commercial opportunities. This is about more than just reducing emissions ‒ it’s about positioning ourselves for success in a rapidly evolving industry and ensuring we stay ahead of regulatory changes, all while building a stronger, more resilient fleet for the future.”