Shanghai (Agencies) July 13, 2025 — China has officially launched the world’s first sail-assisted Aframax oil tanker, marking a major leap in green maritime technology. Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the vessel—named Brands Hatch—features three towering 40-meter fiberglass wing sails that can be automatically adjusted to harness wind power, dramatically reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Unlike traditional cloth sails, these rigid wing-shaped structures are made from advanced composite materials and controlled by an intelligent hydraulic system. With just a single command, the sails can be raised, lowered, and angled to optimize wind capture—even when sailing against the wind. Under ideal conditions, the tanker can save up to 14.5 tons of fuel per day, cutting emissions by nearly 5,000 tons annually.
The 250-meter-long vessel, capable of carrying 800,000 barrels of crude oil, was delivered to Union Maritime, a UK-based company focused on sustainable shipping. It will operate primarily on European routes, where seasonal winds offer ideal conditions for wind-assisted propulsion.
This innovation is part of China’s broader push to modernize maritime transport with low-carbon solutions. The country is also experimenting with rotor sails and airfoil systems across bulk carriers and supertankers, aiming to meet international decarbonization targets while maintaining operational efficiency.
The launch of Brands Hatch positions China as a global leader in wind-assisted commercial shipping, reviving ancient sail technology with cutting-edge engineering to meet the demands of a climate-conscious future.