GT Wings has introduced a ship performance assessment tool to support the early-stage evaluation of its AirWing wind-assisted propulsion system.
The tool, developed by independent firm Blue Wasp Marine and based on its Pelican web-based platform, will enable the company to provide structured indications of potential fuel, emissions, and regulatory savings from deploying the technology.
Classification society RINA says it has reviewed and verified the tool, confirming that the modelling methodology and performance assessment framework align with recognised industry standards and guidelines. It has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) that the approach is suitable for early-stage evaluation of wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
The AirWing technology is a Jet Sail wind propulsion system that uses controlled suction and blowing to achieve high aerodynamic performance with a minimal deck footprint. The system has already been installed onboard Carisbrooke Shipping’s MV Vectis Progress, with additional orders secured from Grieg Maritime Group.
The assessment tool enables route-based simulations to be performed to estimate potential savings across different vessel types, operating profiles, and configurations. Using a four-degrees-of-freedom (4DOF) modelling approach, it provides a physics-based indication of performance to help shipowners compare options and establish an initial business case.
“Our Jet Sail technology represents a fundamentally new approach to wind propulsion. To best serve our customers’ interests, it’s vital that early performance assessments are credible and transparent,” said Jonny Gambell, Sales and Strategy Director at GT Wings.
“This tool gives shipowners a trustworthy first view of potential savings, helping them to understand the return on investment and the reduced emissions that our technology brings. We are fortunate to be working with Blue Wasp, who’s unrivalled simulation expertise has helped us to develop this state-of-the-art performance tool.”
