GT Wings has secured a £225,000 grant from the Department for Transport.

GT Wings has secured a £225,000 grant from the Department for Transport's (DfT) United Kingdom Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF). This vital funding will drive the next phase of development for the company’s innovative AirWing technology, which integrates AI-driven, self-learning control systems to optimise maritime performance in real-time. The grant marks a significant step in GT Wings’ mission to revolutionise the shipping industry through wind propulsion technology, contributing to global efforts to decarbonise maritime transport.

AirWing, a cutting-edge rigid sail system, is designed to harness wind power to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By producing direct thrust and reducing engine load, the technology offers fuel savings of between 5% and 30% annually. The unique design, which combines high efficiency and compact size, allows for installation on vessels with limited deck space, making it suitable for both retrofits and newbuilds.

Unlike traditional wind propulsion systems, the AirWing’s stowage capabilities ensure minimal disruption to cargo operations, further enhancing its appeal to shipowners and operators.

GT Wings’ first installation of the AirWing is scheduled for Q4 2024 on a Carisbrooke Shipping vessel, which trades between the UK and Canada. This installation will demonstrate the full capabilities of the AirWing in a real-world maritime environment, with expectations of around 10% fuel savings. The collaboration with the University of Bath and Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd will further enhance the project's success by incorporating advanced research and industry expertise.

This project forms part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206 million initiative aimed at developing and commercialising technologies to decarbonise the UK’s domestic maritime sector. The programme is expected to play a key role in meeting international emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Union, as shipping companies are increasingly required to adopt technologies that reduce their environmental footprint.

GT Wings, a leader in wind propulsion technology, is well-positioned to capitalise on this growing market, with the total addressable market for wind propulsion technologies projected to exceed $7 billion by 2030. The AirWing system is expected to make a significant contribution toward this goal by offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for shipowners seeking to meet stricter emissions regulations while maintaining operational efficiency.

With this latest grant, GT Wings will continue to innovate and lead the way in sustainable shipping solutions, helping the industry reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a cleaner, more efficient future.