Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has been tapped to class a new series of innovative, methanol-ready tankers for Union Maritime, as the UK-based shipping company steps up its investment in wind propulsion technologies.

The first two vessels in the lineup, Buran and Ostro, were delivered in February and April 2025, respectively, from Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding. Outfitted with Norsepower’s cutting-edge rotor sails, these tankers signal a major step in Union Maritime’s fleet modernization efforts.

Union Maritime has four additional 18,500-deadweight-ton tankers under construction — two at Fujian Southeast and two at Wuhu Shipyard — all set to feature Norsepower’s wind-assist systems. Deliveries are staggered throughout 2025.

But the push doesn’t stop there. The six vessels represent just the first wave of a broader newbuilding program under BV class. Union Maritime has more than 25 additional tankers scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028, many of them at Wuhu Shipyard and other leading Chinese shipyards. Future vessels will either come equipped with wind propulsion technologies or be ready for later installation, with various suppliers, including Norsepower, providing solutions.

By blending wind-assist propulsion with methanol-ready designs, Union Maritime is targeting significant improvements in energy efficiency and emissions reduction across its growing fleet.

BV said it is providing full support on the project, helping to integrate the wind propulsion systems by conducting thorough assessments to ensure compliance with the latest standards for both alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies. The classification society noted it has worked closely with Union Maritime to review and approve the upgraded ship designs without disrupting delivery schedules.

“The deliveries of Buran and Ostro mark an exciting first step in our wider newbuilding program under BV class,” said Bhuvnesh Dogra, head of technical at Union Maritime. “These vessels embody our commitment to modernize our fleet with advanced technologies that push the industry forward in emissions reduction and energy efficiency.”

Matthieu de Tugny, president of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added, “We are proud to support Union Maritime’s bold initiatives. Safety is paramount, and our classification framework ensures these innovative solutions meet rigorous standards, helping ship owners transition toward greener operations.”

Norsepower’s CEO, Heikki Pöntynen, echoed the optimism: “We’re thrilled to see six of Union Maritime’s new methanol-ready tankers equipped with our Rotor Sails. This growing fleet showcases how wind-assist technologies and alternative fuels can work hand-in-hand to cut emissions now and into the future.”

As the shipping industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, Union Maritime’s partnership with Bureau Veritas and Norsepower sets a strong example for sustainable innovation at sea.