Propelling wind propulsion to the next level
GT Wings awarded £225,000 from the UK department for transport’s smart shipping acceleration fund
GT Wings, a UK-based wind propulsion company, has been awarded a $274,500 USD grant from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) through the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund.
This funding will further develop GT’s AirWing technology, in collaboration with the University of Bath and Carisbrooke Shipping.
GT Wings has already secured £4 million in project funding from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, advancing the AirWing’s development and its potential to transform wind propulsion in the maritime industry.
This project is part of the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. SSAF is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.
Project Overview
The 5-month project will focus on integrating self-learning control systems to optimise AirWing’s performance and adaptability. The first AirWing unit will be installed on a 130-meter UK cargo vessel by year-end.
Significance of the Grant
George Thompson, CEO of GT Wings, stated, “We are thrilled to receive this support from the Department for Transport. This project marks a significant step forward in our mission to drive down greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and self-learning capabilities into our AirWing technology, we can deliver even greater environmental and economic benefits to shipowners and operators worldwide.”
Strategic Collaboration
The initiative involves a consortium of experts, including the University of Bath and Carisbrooke Shipping. They will focus on system modelling, reinforcement learning control, and regulatory compliance to ensure the AirWing system meets global standards.
Dr. Nathan Sell, Associate Professor at the University of Bath added: “We are thrilled to partner with GT Wings on this pioneering project. Working alongside their team provides an exciting opportunity to apply the University of Bath’s expertise in, Reinforcement Learning, and adaptive control systems to real-world, net-zero applications. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the future of sustainable shipping.”
UK Economic and Environmental Impact
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is expected to contribute to UK economic growth and job creation by fostering partnerships with AI experts, vessel owners, operators, and supply chains. The collaboration will also advance the commercialisation of AirWing technology, further establishing the UK as a leader in sustainable maritime solutions.
Next Steps
Jonny Gambell, from GT Wings commented: “A detailed, costed plan will be developed for the deployment of the self-learning AirWing control system technology on a Carisbrooke Shipping vessel, setting the stage for wider commercial adoption. This initiative represents a significant opportunity to position the UK at the cutting edge of sustainable shipping technologies, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to a greener future while ensuring compliance with critical environmental regulations.”
About GT Wings (Click to open the box)
About GT Wings
Founded in 2021, GT Wings is at the forefront of providing turn-key wind propulsion solutions designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime industry. The AirWing, GT’s flagship product, is a rigid wingsail that utilises patented boundary layer control manipulation to deliver superior thrust with a minimal deck footprint, making wind-powered solutions viable even for vessels with limited space.
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