GT Wings, the UK cleantech firm behind the world’s first commercially available jet sail, has secured a further £1 million ($1.3 million) through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6 (CMDC6) to advance its adaptive control system for wind propulsion.
The funding, awarded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), will be used to accelerate the integration of self-learning trim automation, weather routing, and automated propeller pitch control in AirWing, setting the stage for wider commercial adoption.
This latest grant adds to over £5 million ($6.7 million) in UK government support secured by GT Wings since 2021, which has been instrumental in progressing AirWing from concept to commercial reality.
George Thompson, Founder and CEO of GT Wings, said: “The project will accelerate AirWing’s adaptive control system, integrating self-learning trim automation, weather routing, and propeller pitch control, setting the stage for widespread commercial rollout.”
The CMDC6 project brings together GT Wings, Carisbrooke Shipping, University of Bath, Datum Electronics, and Oceata to combine cutting-edge research with real-world vessel operations.
The aim is to deliver a smarter, more efficient wind propulsion solution that is ready for mainstream use.
The AirWing uses a patented boundary layer control system to actively manipulate airflow around the wing, generating exceptional lift and powerful thrust from a compact, aerodynamically efficient structure. This technology is particularly suited to vessel types that have traditionally been unable to adopt wind-assisted propulsion.
The new project will focus on intelligent automation, including:
- Reinforcement learning for self-optimising sail trim
- Integration with weather routing systems
- Automated propeller pitch control to maintain consistent speed and efficiency
AirWing’s modular design, robust business case, and seamless integration make it a practical option for shipowners seeking to comply with FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and forthcoming IMO regulations, without sacrificing operational flexibility.
The project strengthens the case for wind propulsion as a scalable, practical route to decarbonisation, backed by engineering validation and real-world trials.
GT Wings was founded in 2021 to pioneer Jet Sail technology for commercial shipping, offering both newbuild and retrofit solutions that cut fuel costs and emissions.
The UK SHORE programme has now allocated over £230 million ($309 million) to 247 projects since 2022, leveraging more than £107 million ($143.6) in private investment. Innovate UK delivers the government’s flagship CMDC and ZEVI competitions, supporting a range of clean maritime technologies across the UK in 2025.
This initiative is part of a broader portfolio of clean shipping demonstrations, involving various vessel types and new port infrastructure, as the UK accelerates its transition to a low-carbon maritime sector.
