BAR Technologies (BAR), a Wind Propulsion leader and an innovative simulation-driven marine engineering consultancy, has entered into a partnership agreement with Nervion Naval Offshore (Nervion), a pioneer in floating offshore wind platforms, to wholly manage and oversee the production of BAR Technologies’ WindWings® in Europe.
The agreement with Nervion, a company owned by Amper Group and with factories in Ferrol and As Somozas (Galicia, Spain), is the first manufacturing partnership for BAR Technologies outside of China, and is one that provides European customers – and/or any customers who utilise drydocks in the region – with local WindWings® supply.
In light of the evolving EU 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.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nervion will manage the value chain of procurement and construction of WindWings®, and their installation throughout all the shipyards, in Europe. Additionally, Nervion will manage the servicing of WindWings® during their operational life cycle, alongside running training on the operation of the wing sails for vessel crews. BAR Technologies will retain the obligation to continue to innovate and establish additional WindWings® sizes and offerings.
Speaking on the signing of the agreement in Spain, John Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, BAR Technologies, commented: “The establishment of a European supplier of WindWings® offers the opportunity to grow global sales of WindWings®, as vessel owners increasingly look to add wind propulsion to existing and new build vessels to comply with EU regulations. Partnering with Nervion enables us to work with an organisation with a legacy in wind energy manufacturing, to enhance the geographical availability of our WindWings® technology.”
Roberto Bouzas, General Manager, Nervion Naval Offshore, commented: “With shipping undergoing transformational change, especially now that shipping is included with the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, we recognised the significance of the opportunity to work with BAR Technologies in bringing its pioneering WindWings® technology to the market here in Europe. Benefitting from our history in manufacturing for the wind energy industry, we look forward to supporting BAR Technologies with new WindWings® installations, and to continue the path towards the decarbonisation of global shipping.
BAR’s agreement with Nervion adds to its existing partnership with China Merchants (CMET), the latter offering sales and manufacture in Asia.
