GT Wings launches RINA-approved tool to assess AirWing performance

By AI, Created 11:41 AM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – GT Wings has introduced a new assessment tool for its AirWing wind-assisted propulsion system, with RINA confirming the methodology meets recognized industry standards for early-stage evaluation. The tool is designed to help shipowners estimate fuel, emissions and regulatory savings before committing to wind propulsion projects.

Why it matters: - Shipowners need credible early-stage performance data before investing in wind-assisted propulsion. - GT Wings says the new tool is designed to give operators a clearer first view of fuel savings, emissions reductions and regulatory benefits. - RINA approval adds external validation that can support preliminary technical and commercial decisions.

What happened: - GT Wings introduced a holistic ship performance assessment tool for its AirWing wind-assisted propulsion system. - The tool was developed with independent wind assist experts Blue Wasp Marine. - RINA reviewed and verified the modelling methodology and performance assessment framework. - RINA granted an Approval in Principle for the Pelican Suite-based tool. - The announcement was made in London on May 28, 2026.

The details: - The tool is based on Blue Wasp Marine’s proprietary Pelican Suite web-based platform. - The system is built to produce structured indications of potential fuel, emissions and regulatory savings. - The assessment tool uses route-based simulations to estimate savings across vessel types, operating profiles and AirWing configurations. - The modelling approach uses a four-degrees-of-freedom, or 4DOF, framework. - GT Wings says the model provides a consistent, physics-based indication of performance. - The setup is intended to help shipowners compare options and build an early business case. - AirWing uses controlled suction and blowing to target high aerodynamic performance with a minimal deck footprint. - GT Wings says the Jet Sail system has already been installed on Carisbrooke Shipping’s MV Vectis Progress. - GT Wings also has additional orders from Grieg Maritime Group. - The company says it has completed more than 80 early-stage performance assessments to date. - Blue Wasp Marine provides physics-based maritime performance modelling and simulation tools across wind-assisted propulsion technologies. - RINA verified the outputs in line with industry practices. - The review supports alignment with MEPC circ.896 and the ITTC Guidelines for Wind Powered Ships (2024). - GT Wings is headquartered in the UK and works with manufacturing and supply-chain partners in Asia and Europe. - RINA is a certification and engineering company with operations across energy, marine, infrastructure, mobility, certification, industry and real estate. - Blue Wasp Marine was founded in 2020 and focuses on wind-assisted ship propulsion software and technical expertise.

Between the lines: - Independent verification matters because wind-assisted propulsion is still a relatively new decision area for many shipowners. - A standardized assessment framework can reduce uncertainty around commercial returns and emissions claims. - The RINA approval may also help GT Wings position AirWing as a more bankable and easier-to-compare option in a crowded decarbonization market. - GT Wings, Blue Wasp Marine and RINA are all signaling that methodology credibility is becoming as important as hardware performance.

What’s next: - GT Wings is expected to use the tool to support more early-stage AirWing assessments. - The company will likely use the RINA-backed framework in future shipowner discussions and project evaluations. - Wider adoption of wind-assisted propulsion could increase demand for comparable, third-party-verified performance tools. - RINA’s new Rules for Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems may shape future assessments and approvals.

The bottom line: - GT Wings now has a third-party-verified tool aimed at making AirWing performance easier to assess, compare and underwrite before ships commit to installation.