KINGSTON UPON HULL, March 17 (Alliance News): A groundbreaking rigid shipping mast, designed to harness wind power and reduce fuel consumption, has begun its first transatlantic journey from England to Canada.
The 20-meter-high AirWing, developed by GT Wings, aims to cut emissions and enhance sustainability in the maritime industry.
Founder George Thompson and his team worked tirelessly before the launch, ensuring the high-tech mast was ready for deployment.
The Vectis Progress, a 124-meter-long cargo ship, was fitted with the experimental sail at Hull’s port, requiring extensive modifications, including nine tonnes of steel reinforcements and over 7.5 kilometers of electric wiring.
The AirWing system, inspired by aerodynamics from the America’s Cup and Formula 1, accelerates wind through internal fans to propel the ship efficiently.
Early tests showed an 8% fuel reduction, with hopes of reaching 10% savings on transatlantic voyages. If successful, the innovation could save nearly $1,000 daily in fuel costs.
The project, backed by £3.7 million from the British government, is part of maritime decarbonization efforts. With stricter European carbon regulations and the International Maritime Organization’s goal for carbon neutrality by 2050, wind-assisted propulsion is expected to gain momentum, with the number of wind-powered ships set to double annually.
