Brunvoll - Experts & Thought Leaders

BAR Technologies, a pioneer in wind propulsion and maritime efficiency, has been awarded the 2025 GREEN4SEA-Europort Energy Transition Award in recognition of its commercially proven WindWings technology. The award was presented during the Europort 2025 Exhibition, celebrating organisations driving significant change in the maritime energy transition. BAR Technologies was selected from a shortlist of respected maritime technology providers, including Accelleron, bound4blue, Brunvoll, NatPower Marine, and Oceanly Performance. The award recognises WindWings as a commercially ready solution delivering tangible emissions reductions and performance improvements across the global fleet. Wind-assisted propulsion system WindWings is a wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) that reduces fuel consumption WindWings is a wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) that reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through its advanced aero-design. Each WindWing features BAR Tech’s patented three-element wing configuration, delivering  2.5 times the lift of a traditional single-element wing without requiring continuous powering to spin (like flettner rotors) or for suction fans (like turbo sails). With average savings of 1.5 tonnes of fuel per wing per day, WindWings® stands as the most powerful and scalable solutions available for the decarbonisation of ocean-going vessels. Practical and impactful technology Accepting the award on behalf of the company, BAR Technologies' Sales Director, Tom James, said: “This award validates WindWings as a practical and impactful technology. It’s not just an innovation, it’s operational.” He adds, “We’ve shown that wind propulsion can deliver measurable decarbonisation today, not just in future projections. At BAR Technologies  we’re focused on delivering scalable technologies that are commercially ready and performance-led.” Following the ceremony, James joined other award recipients in a panel discussion, where he highlighted the critical role of regulation, collaboration, and data transparency in driving environmental progress at scale. Solving real-world problems John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, stated: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from GREEN4SEA and Europort. WindWings reflects our core mission, to apply world-class engineering to solve real-world problems.This award is a tribute to the relentless work of our team and partners who believe, as we do, that sustainable shipping starts with solutions that perform, scale, and deliver significant reductions in global emissions.” He continues, “The transition isn’t a future concept it’s a today’s challenge. Our role is to ensure operators have access to commercially viable pathways to decarbonisation and WindWings is delivering on that promise.” This award builds on BAR Technologies’ momentum in deploying scalable wind propulsion across vessel types, reinforcing its position as a major firm in sustainable maritime innovation.

Brunvoll has entered into an agreement with VARD for the delivery of complete propulsion and manoeuvring systems for two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). The owner of these new vessels is North Star. Each of the two CSOVs will be equipped, from aft to bow, with two azimuth propulsion thrusters, a retractable azimuth thruster, a tunnel thruster, and a combined retractable azimuth/tunnel thruster. Together with Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system, BruCon PTC, this will ensure highly efficient and capable vessels. Brunvoll’s latest energy-efficiency innovation North Star’s Chief Technology Officer, James Bradford, says: "Choosing Brunvoll’s complete propulsion and manoeuvring package for our new CSOVs ensures we deliver ships that are reliable, efficient, and future-ready. This partnership supports our commitment to safe and sustainable operations, providing the flexibility and performance needed to help our clients deliver offshore wind projects successfully." The azimuth propulsion thrusters are equipped with Brunvoll’s latest energy-efficiency innovation, the DL1-nozzle, also known as the “Dragless”. While traditional nozzles experience an efficiency drop at transit speeds, the DL1 maintains favourable hydrodynamic characteristics across a broader operating range. Agreement with RWE for both vessels “We have a long-standing relationship with North Star and we are deeply grateful for the continued trust they have shown in us. On the technical side, it is especially rewarding to see the offshore wind industry embracing our combined retractable azimuth and tunnel thruster, a solution we strongly believe in for making vessels more efficient and versatile,” says Bernt Rune Riksfjord, VP Sales at Brunvoll. The vessels are based on VARD’s 4 19 design, with the following main particulars: length of 87.5 metres, beam of 19.5 metres, and accommodation capacity for 120 persons, along with all equipment required for a CSOV. North Star has secured a long-term charter agreement with RWE for both vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029. RWE is one of the world’s largest operators and constructors of offshore wind farms, currently operating 19 wind farms worldwide.

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Astilleros Zamakona S.A. for the delivery of a complete propulsion, manoeuvring, and positioning system for a live fish carrier. The shipowner is Trident Aqua Services, which already has two vessels with similar specifications under construction. The propulsion system comprises a controllable pitch shaftline propeller and a twin-in–single-out reduction gearbox, powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 3,000 kW. The propeller measures 3.4 metres in diameter. In addition, the vessel will be fitted with four tunnel thrusters — two aft and two in the bow. Integrated through Brunvoll’s Propulsion The entire system will be integrated through Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system Dynamic Positioning is increasingly adopted in the aquaculture industry, and this vessel will feature Brunvoll’s BruCon DP0 with joystick control. The entire system will be integrated through Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system, BruCon PTC. “We would like to congratulate Trident Aqua Services on their successful merger and wish them the very best as they embark on this exciting new chapter." "We are proud to continue our collaboration through this latest contract, which marks the third vessel of the same specification contracted for their fleet. This continuity reflects the trust vested in us and underlines the strong partnership we are building together," says Vidar Liaskar, VP Sales at Brunvoll. Brunvoll's commitment to seafood production  The vessel is Astilleros Zamakona’s newbuild no. 809 and is designed by Salt Ship Design. The main particulars are as follows: length 80.8 metres, breadth 17.7 metres, and a loading capacity of 4,000 cubic metres. “With several vessels in operation and others under construction equipped with Brunvoll systems, the decision to choose them again was straightforward. Their quality in both products and service is proven, and with our growing worldwide fleet it is crucial to have suppliers we can depend on wherever our vessels operate." "Just as importantly, Brunvoll shares our commitment to safeguarding sustainable seafood production through innovation and high performance,” says Joar Gjerde, Chief Commercial Officer at Trident Aqua Services.