Groundbreaking Wind Propulsion Technology Receives £3.7M Grant for Pioneering Project in the UK

Groundbreaking technology in the maritime sector is poised to revolutionise commercial shipping, with GT Green Technologies, Carisbrooke Shipping, and The University of Bristol spearheading the way. Securing a substantial £3.7 million grant, the project is set to install a 20-metre AirWing unit on a Carisbrooke Shipping vessel in the UK, thereby paving the way for greener and more sustainable maritime practices.

The 20-metre AirWing wind propulsion system is anticipated to yield significant benefits on its UK-Canada-UK route, including an impressive 8.3% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, resulting in annual cost savings exceeding £139,000. Over its 25-year lifespan, the AirWing has the potential to curtail CO2 emissions by an estimated 14,250 metric tonnes, equivalent to removing over 3,000 cars from the roads. The system leverages cutting-edge airflow manipulation technology to maximise thrust output while maintaining a compact and lightweight profile, addressing the urgent need for sustainable shipping solutions, particularly on general cargo ships with limited deck space.

Carisbrooke Shipping, responsible for the technical management of a global fleet of 27 vessels, is strategically positioned as the first to integrate this groundbreaking technology. Captain Simon Merritt, Sr. Fleet Manager at Carisbrooke Shipping, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the potential to reduce operating costs, lower fuel consumption and emissions, and improve the vessel’s green credentials.

The University of Bristol is playing a crucial role in the development of the AirWing technology by contributing expertise in composite structures testing and modeling. This collaboration underscores the significance of cross-disciplinary research in fluid dynamics, structures, and ship science to harness the full potential of wind propulsion for sustainable shipping.

GT Green Technologies has already conducted feasibility studies for some of the largest global ship owners and received multiple letters of intent for future orders. With an estimated 20,000 ships globally suitable for wind propulsion, the market potential is expansive, and GT Green Technologies’ unique proposition positions the company ideally for rapid commercial deployment and scale-up.

The project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4, funded by the UK Department for Transport and delivered by Innovate UK. This initiative forms part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions program, a £206 million initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector, an industry offering vast potential for sustainable economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.

The UK SHORE program, introduced in March 2022, represents the largest government investment ever in the UK commercial maritime sector, with a focus on decarbonising the industry. The program includes the flagship multi-year Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, which provides match-funding to bring pre-commercial technologies closer to market readiness. CMDC4, the latest round of the competition, has allocated £33 million to 33 projects across the UK, aiming to deliver demonstrations, pre-deployment trials, and feasibility studies between April 2024 and March 2025.

In conclusion, the collaboration between GT Green Technologies, Carisbrooke Shipping, and The University of Bristol represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable shipping solutions. With substantial government support and industry-led initiatives, the maritime sector is poised for a transformative shift towards greener and more environmentally friendly practices.