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GT Wings adds verified modelling to AirWing sales process
GT Wings has introduced a ship performance assessment tool for its AirWing™ Jet Sail wind propulsion system, giving shipowners an earlier view of possible fuel, emissions and regulatory savings before moving into full technical studies.
The tool was developed with Blue Wasp Marine and is based on the company’s Pelican Suite™ web platform. RINA has reviewed and verified the modelling approach, giving the assessment framework Approval in Principle.
For shipowners looking at wind assisted propulsion, the issue is often not whether the technology can work, but how much value it can deliver on a specific vessel and route. A sail on a general cargo ship is not a plug and play item in the same way as a deck crane or hatch cover. Its performance depends on route, wind, speed, vessel profile and operating pattern.
That is the gap GT Wings is trying to close.
Focus on fuel, emissions and regulation
The new tool uses route based simulations to estimate savings across vessel types, operating profiles and AirWing™ configurations. It applies a four degrees of freedom modelling approach, known as 4DOF, to provide a physics based indication of performance.
The company said the tool will support structured early stage assessments for shipowners considering the Jet Sail system. These assessments can help build an initial business case covering fuel cost, emissions reductions and regulatory exposure.
GT Wings has already completed more than 80 early stage performance assessments. The company said the new tool is intended to make those evaluations more consistent and transparent.
AirWing moves from trial to commercial orders
GT Wings’ AirWing™ is a Jet Sail system that uses controlled suction and blowing to improve aerodynamic performance while keeping deck footprint limited.
The system has already been installed on Carisbrooke Shipping’s MV Vectis Progress, a general cargo vessel. GT Wings also has additional orders from Grieg Maritime Group, giving the technology a route from prototype installation into commercial deployment.
For operators in breakbulk, project cargo and general cargo trades, deck space matters. A wind propulsion unit has to compete with cargo handling requirements, stowage plans and port operations. In practical terms, the question for many owners is simple: does the fuel saving justify the space, cost and operational adjustment?
GT Wings is positioning the new tool as a way to answer that question earlier in the process.
RINA approval adds assurance layer
RINA’s review confirms that the Pelican Suite™ modelling methodology and performance assessment framework are aligned with recognised industry standards and guidelines. The company said the verification supports alignment with MEPC circ.896 and the ITTC Guidelines for Wind Powered Ships 2024.
That matters because early stage wind propulsion claims can be difficult to compare. Different vessels, routes and operating assumptions can produce very different results. Without a common framework, shipowners may struggle to separate credible forecasts from optimistic projections.
Blue Wasp Marine’s Pelican Suite™ provides technology neutral modelling for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance. Its software has been used across a range of wind assisted propulsion systems, including rotor sails, wing sails, suction wings and kite sails.
Industry comments point to credibility
Jonny Gambell, Sales and Strategy Director at GT Wings, said credible early performance assessments are essential for customers evaluating the Jet Sail system.
“Our Jet Sail technology represents a fundamentally new approach to wind propulsion,” Gambell said. “To best serve our customers’ interests, it’s vital that early performance assessments are credible and transparent.”
He said the tool gives shipowners an initial view of possible savings and helps them understand return on investment and emissions reductions.
Giovanni Bordogna, CEO and R&D Lead of Blue Wasp Marine, said RINA’s approval was an important recognition of the company’s modelling work.
Patrizio Di Francesco, Special Projects North Europe Business Development Manager at RINA, said RINA was pleased to work with GT Wings on wind propulsion performance prediction, using its rules for wind assisted propulsion systems to support a reliable assessment framework.
