Wins Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) company GT Wings has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zunsion Technology in China to establish a strategic manufacturing partnership for its AirWing Jet Sail system.
The agreement creates a framework for industrial scale production of AirWing units in China, combining GT Wings’ wind propulsion technology experience with Zunsion’s automation manufacturing capabilities.
Jonathan Burton, COO GT Wings, said: “GT Wings is delighted to finalise this agreement. Zunsion’s experience and capability in delivering complex engineered systems has been clear throughout our discussions, and we believe they are the ideal assembly partner for GT Wings in China. This partnership provides the industrial capacity required to scale production of AirWing to over 250 units annually as demand grows.”
The MoU establishes the foundation for a long-term industrial collaboration aimed at accelerating the deployment of AirWing technology across the global shipping fleet. With a large proportion of the world’s commercial vessels constructed and serviced in Asia, expanding manufacturing capacity close to major shipbuilding and drydocking hubs is considered critical in supporting large-scale deployment.
China’s established manufacturing ecosystem and extensive shipbuilding supply chain make it suited for scaling the production of marine technologies. The partnership with Nantong-based Zunsion will enable GT Wings to manufacture AirWing systems closer to key shipyards and shipowners operating in China, improving delivery timelines and supporting growing demand across the Asian maritime market.
Xu Jinbiao, CEO Zunsion Technology, said: “We are honoured to form this strategic partnership with GT Wings. The AirWing system is a world-leading wind propulsion solution for the shipping industry, which is highly aligned with Zunsion Technology’s development philosophy of ‘High-End Manufacturing, Green Empowerment’. Leveraging Nantong’s industrial cluster advantages in the marine and offshore engineering sector, and our manufacturing strength, we are confident in building the AirWing into a benchmark product for global shipping decarbonisation and contributing to the global expansion of China’s high-end equipment.”
This collaboration is designed to complement GT Wings’ existing Europe-based supply chain and manufacturing facilities; by expanding manufacturing capability into Asia, GT Wings aims to meet increasing global demand while maintaining flexibility across multiple production regions.
The partnership is structured to support progressive increases in production capacity, enabling scaling of AirWing manufacture while maintaining the high quality and on-time delivery standards required by vessel owners and shipyards.
Bruce Anson, Director Zunsion Technology, said: “The strategic alignment between Zunsion and GT Wings establishes a robust, technically focused manufacturing capability in our state-of-the-art facilities in Nantong that will deliver AirWing production at scale. We are proud to be working with GT Wings as we move forward to reach our goals.”
Liam Campbell, CCO GT Wings, added: “This partnership marks a pivotal point in our strategic growth plan. We have been deliberate in selecting supply partners with proven capability in high-quality, on-time manufacturing, ensuring exceptional product standards and trouble-free operation for our clients. It is an exciting time for GT Wings as we scale manufacturing to meet rising demand for our wind propulsion solutions.”
Image: Jon Burton, GT Wings and Xu Jinbiao, Zunsion Technology (source: GT Wings)
