GT Wings: First AirWing-fitted ship sets sail

UK’s GT Wings has installed its first AirWing wind propulsion system onboard a general cargo vessel owned by Carisbrooke Shipping, reaching “a major milestone in sustainable shipping”.

With the AirWing technology installed, Carisbrooke Shipping’s 120-meter-long vessel Vectis Progress has departed from Hull where the solution was assembled.

The vessel is now on its way to Bilbao, marking the beginning of a transatlantic journey to Canada to showcase the real-world impact of wind-assisted propulsion, GT Wings said.

As disclosed, the company’s founder and CEO George Thompson will be onboard Vectis Progress all the way across the Atlantic to Canada, monitoring AirWing’s performance in real-world conditions. He will share insights, data, and firsthand experiences throughout the voyage.

“Every tonne of thrust generated by the wind means less reliance on the engine and fewer emissions in the air,” said George Thompson. “Wind propulsion isn’t just an environmental decision—it’s an economic one. The cost of non-compliance is rising, and integrating wind assistance is a no-brainer for forward-thinking shipowners.”

According to GT Wings, the Air Wing wind propulsion technology is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions for commercial shipping, offering a practical and cost-effective solution to compliance with tightening regulations and decarbonization objectives.

The technology, backed by £3.7 million in funding through the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), aims to reduce emissions in the maritime sector by up to 30%.

“This journey represents a significant step forward in proving the viability of wind propulsion at scale. The maritime industry faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions, and AirWing provides a scalable, retrofit-friendly solution that can be installed on a wide range of vessels,” the company stated.