GT Wings, a pioneering UK-based wind propulsion company, is thrilled to announce the award of a £225,000 grant from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) through the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund. This funding will propel a cutting-edge project to further develop GT’s revolutionary AirWing technology, in collaboration with the University of Bath and Carisbrooke Shipping.

Building on previous successes, GT Wings, in collaboration with their partners, has already secured £4 million in project funding from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Rounds 2 and 4 (CMDC2 & CMDC4). These grants have been pivotal in advancing the AirWing's development, showcasing 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) program, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonize the UK domestic maritime sector.

Project Overview

The newly funded 5-month project will focus on integrating advanced self-learning control systems to optimise AirWing’s performance in real-time, enhancing adaptability to changing wind conditions. The goal is to demonstrate the technical and economic

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

This initiative brings together a consortium of experts, including the University of Bath and end-user Carisbrooke Shipping. The team will focus on system modelling, adaptive and reinforcement learning control, and regulatory compliance. This collaboration ensures that the AirWing™ control system technology meets stringent international and regional standards, providing a robust solution for shipowners facing evolving environmental mandates.

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 commercialization 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.”