BV classes Union Maritime's wind-powered, methanol-ready tanker newbuilds

French classification society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has been selected to class a series of methanol-ready oil and chemical tankers for UK shipping company Union Maritime, which are currently being equipped with wind propulsion systems, including Norsepower rotor sails.

The first two vessels in this series, Buran and Ostro, have been delivered in February and April 2025, respectively, following their construction at Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding.

Union Maritime has two additional 18,500 dwt tankers currently under construction at Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding and two more at Wuhu Shipyard, which will all be equipped with Norsepower’s systems. Deliveries of the vessels are scheduled throughout 2025.

These six vessels mark the first wave of a broader newbuilding program for Union Maritime under BV class. More than 25 additional tankers are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028, including a significant series at Wuhu Shipyard, with further vessels being built