Union Maritime welcomes its first LNG and wind-powered LR2 tanker

January 22, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

UK-headquartered shipping company Union Maritime has taken delivery of the first of two newbuild long-range (LR2) tankers equipped with liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel and wind-assisted propulsion solutions.

While revealing the delivery of MT SPA, the firm described the vessel as the world’s first LNG and wind-powered LR2 tanker, which was built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings. The tanker is powered by LNG dual fuel capability and fitted with WindWings, said to make it the most advanced LR2 tanker on the water.

MT SPA is the first of two vessels of this specification ordered by the UK player with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, representing a significant milestone in the firm’s wider newbuild program. The company confirmed a $130 million delivery financing agreement for two tankers in July 2025.

Delivery of MT SPA LNG and wind-powered LR2 tanker; Source: Union Maritime

The vessel is designed to meet FuelEU Maritime requirements through to 2040, with performance assessments showing almost a 50% improvement against the EEDI baseline and more than a 27% improvement against the EEDI Phase 3 requirement.

The company claims that its long-term strategy is focused on deploying proven, scalable technologies that deliver real emissions reductions across its fleet. Union Maritime and BAR Technologies obtained two approvals last year for the LNG tanker duo with wind propulsion systems.