UK ship operator Carisbrooke Shipping has announced that the GT Wings AirWing prototype wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS)technology will soon be ready for installation on its Vectis vessel and deployed on a voyages between North Europe and Canada.
GT Green Technologies and The University of Bristol received a £3.7m grant from the UK Department for Transport (DfT), which is enabling Carisbrooke to install a 20m AirWing unit on one of its UK-registered vessels, which it says marks a significant leap towards The AirWing wind propulsion solution is designed by GT Green Technologies, and manipulated airflow to maximize thrust output while maintaining a compact and lightweight profile. Particularly suitable for general cargo ships with limited deck space, AirWing addresses the urgent need for sustainable shipping solutions.
With oversight of the technical management of a global fleet comprising 27 vessels, Carisbrooke Shipping is strategically positioned for integrating AirWing technology.
Capt Simon Merritt, Senior Fleet Manager Carisbrooke Shipping, said: “We’ve been in talks with GT Green for the past two years and are thrilled to be prototyping their AirWing concept in 2024. The utilisation of AirWing technology will reduce operating costs through lower fuel consumption and emissions (the expected range can be 5% – 30% depending on the configuration), further enhance the vessel’s green credentials and alleviate the tax burden for our ship operators.
AirWing is manufactured in the UK and will help meet the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation as well as reduce EU ETS costs.
Image: Rendering of AirWing on Carisbrooke Shipping Vectis class ship (source: Carisbrooke Shipping)
