BAR Technologies expands workforce amid rising demand for decarbonisation
New starters at BAR Technologies.
BAR Technologies has expanded its workforce in 2024 with 20 new hires, marking a period of significant growth as the naval engineering company strengthens its position in maritime decarbonisation.
The firm says this expansion follows an increase in global demand for its technologies, particularly in response to heightened regulatory focus on emissions reduction, such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System; European Union regulations that work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The Portsmouth, UK-based company offers a range of solutions across the maritime sector, including WindWings, a wind-assisted propulsion system, Aerobridge superstructures designed to reduce drag, hull optimisation for commercial vessels and foiling technologies with electric and hybrid drive systems for smaller boats. Sales agents in China, Japan, Greece and Spain have contributed to growing interest, with Asia understood to be emerging as a key market.
BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper says: “We are committed to improving the sustainability of the marine industry through innovative technological development. It has been inspiring to witness the shift in attitudes as the global focus has sharpened on decarbonisation. BAR Technologies’ innovative solutions, such as WindWings, directly address the urgent need for solutions that reduce emissions and align with regulations such as FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System and other global carbon taxes. These policies highlight the increasing demand for efficient, eco-friendly products that meet compliance requirements and drive operational cost savings for our clients.”
Since its establishment in 2016, BAR Technologies has focused on applying technology and design to decarbonise the maritime sector. Independent assessments by DNV Maritime indicate that WindWings, tested between August 2023 and March 2024, contributed to a 32 per cent reduction in energy consumption per nautical mile on the main engine of the MV Pyxis Ocean, a Kamsarmax bulk carrier, in favourable conditions. The company offers a performance guarantee on all WindWings installations.
Five WindWings-equipped vessels are currently under construction, and further projects are in development. The 20 new employees, hired to help this expansion, include four naval architects and 13 engineers specialising in software development, systems control and composite design. The company also established a dedicated sales and marketing team.
Among the recent appointments, Tom James joined as sales director in early 2024. A chartered engineer and fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, James brings over 25 years of experience across the marine, aerospace and automotive sectors. Under his leadership, the commercial team has grown with key hires, including sales and marketing manager Jess Murphy, formerly business development director at the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and sales engineer Oliwia Gałecka, previously an energy transition analyst at Ardmore Shipping.
Commenting on these appointments, Cooper says: “The growing emphasis on sustainability has brought about a demand for skills in advanced engineering, performance simulation, composite design and software innovation, areas where BAR has strategically invested to stay at the forefront of this evolution. This combination of industry-leading products and a highly skilled workforce positions us to lead the charge in tackling the decarbonisation challenge, offering confidence and value to our partners and stakeholders as we navigate a rapidly changing sector.”
BAR Technologies has also expanded its industry partnerships, including with Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan, which has transitioned from a client to an agent for WindWings.
Based in Portsmouth, BAR Technologies collaborates with agencies and partners worldwide, including CM Energy Tech (China), Abacus (Greece) and WindWaves (Spain).
