First AirWing installed on Vectis Progress as wind propulsion gains momentum

A major milestone in sustainable shipping has been reached with the successful installation of the first GT Wings AirWing wind propulsion system aboard Carisbrooke Shipping’s Vectis Progress. The vessel has now departed from Hull and is en route to Bilbao, marking the start of a transatlantic journey to Canada that will showcase the real-world impact of wind-assisted propulsion.

The AirWing™, an advanced wind propulsion technology, is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions for commercial shipping. With rising fuel costs and tightening emissions regulations, solutions like AirWing offer a practical, cost-effective path to compliance and decarbonization.

"Every ton of thrust generated by the wind means less reliance on the engine and fewer emissions in the air," said George Thompson, Founder and CEO of GT Wings. "Wind propulsion isn’t just an environmental decision—it’s an economic one. The cost of non-compliance is rising, and integrating wind assistance is a no-brainer for forward-thinking shipowners."

George Thompson will be onboard Vectis Progress all the way across the Atlantic to Canada, monitoring AirWing’s performance in real-world conditions. He will share insights, data, and firsthand experiences throughout the voyage, offering a unique perspective on the benefits of wind propulsion.

This journey represents a significant step forward in proving the viability of wind propulsion at scale. The maritime industry faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions, and AirWing provides a scalable, retrofit-friendly solution that can be installed on a wide range of vessels.