GT Wings, a UK-based wind propulsion company developing the AirWing Jet Sail system, has announced the close of a significant investment round led by Grieg Kapital, the investment arm of Norway’s Grieg Group.
Grieg Kapital is investing alongside other investment partners, including Blackfinch Ventures and One Planet Capital, to support GT Wings’ growth strategy. The investment is considered as another step forward in scaling next-generation wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) for the global commercial shipping sector. The investment is expected to enable GT Wings’ growth plans, support the broader commercial deployment of AirWing, and accelerate the company’s global supply chain and manufacturing readiness, as demand for WAPS increases with an evolving regulatory framework.
Stian Grieg, Grieg Kapital, said: “Wind-propulsion is emerging as a transformative technology for decarbonising global shipping, and GT Wings has developed a practical, scalable solution that addresses real operational constraints for shipowners.”
Jon Gjøsund, Grieg Kapital, added: “GT Wings’ strength lies not only in the solution but in the team behind it – drawing on cutting-edge aero- and hydrodynamic engineering backgrounds from F1, America’s Cup, and leading maritime and industrial companies, giving them the depth needed to scale AirWing.”
The investment comes as shipowners face increasing pressure to cut emissions intensity, particularly under FuelEU Maritime, which will impose progressively tighter GHG intensity requirements from 2025. WAPS is thought to offer one of the most cost-effective and immediate levers available to drive adoption across multiple vessel segments. A DNV white paper on WAPS reports 52 ships already in operation and nearly twice as many newbuilds on order. With most installations so far focusing on retrofits, this surge in newbuild commitments signals both integration from the design stage and a faster pace of adoption ahead.
GT Wings’ AirWing is described as the first commercially available Jet Sail, a high energy-density wind-propulsion technology designed to deliver substantial fuel and emissions savings. Its proprietary technology delivers high thrust performance with a compact footprint and minimal operational disruption, a key advantage for shipowners seeking high-impact, energy-saving solutions that do not adversely encroach on deck space.
Working closely with its strategic global partners, GT Wings is preparing for large-scale installation volumes over the coming years, driven by strong demand signals and an expanding order pipeline.
George Thompson, CEO GT Wings, said: “We are pleased to welcome Grieg Kapital as a new investor. Grieg Kapital’s reputation for backing forward-thinking, sustainability-driven technologies aligns closely with our mission. The group’s heritage stems from one of Norway’s most respected maritime industrial families and the investment strengthens our ability to scale AirWing, as demand for credible decarbonisation solutions continues to grow.”
Image: Grieg Kapital is behind a significant investment in GT Wings’ WAPS (source: Grieg Group/Sandra Jecmenica)
