Industry players partner on ‘innovative’ wind propulsion system

August 6, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

Developer of wind propulsion technologies GT Wings has partnered with companies A2O Manufacturing and KS Composites on the development of the ‘innovative’ wind propulsion system AirWing.

As informed, AirWing is a wind propulsion system designed for commercial shipping. According to GT Wings, it can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 30%.

This compact wingsail is suitable for both retrofit and newbuild applications. It is designed to help the shipowners comply with stringent EU and International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) environmental regulations while also achieving ‘significant’ fuel savings, according to the company.

The first installation of the AirWing, incorporating KS Composites’ materials, will take place on Carisbrooke Shipping’s 124-meter general cargo vessel in the last quarter of 2024.

With performance validation, GT anticipates significant commercial interest. The partners hope for a long-term collaboration, with LOIs in place for the delivery of multiple units in 2025.

“Partnering with A2OM & KS Composites is an exciting next step towards the validation of the AirWing. Their expertise in composite materials aligns perfectly with our design pedigree and engineering excellence. We look forward to a long-term partnership that can significantly impact the decarbonisation of the global shipping fleet,” GT Wings CEO and founder, George Thompson, said.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with A2OM & GT Wings on this pioneering project. The AirWing represents a significant advancement in wind propulsion technology, and we are proud that our expertise and materials will play a critical role in its development. This partnership underscores our dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility,” KS Composites Managing Director, Jamie Smith, stated.

In April this year, GT Wings secured £1.25 million (about $1.58 million) in funding to support the commercialization of its AIrWing wind propulsion system.