Vectis Progress with Airwing across the ocean

One notable project under the UK’s Innovate UK is GT Wings’ wind propulsion system on the MV Vectis Progress, which is expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by double digits.

GT Wings’ AirWing™ wind propulsion system will be installed on the Carisbrooke vessel MV Vectis Progress, currently being completed at MMS Docks in Hull.
Over the past three years, GT Wings has worked to design, build, install, certify and test a prototype wind propulsion system. The project was funded by Innovate UK with GBP 3.7 million. The partners worked extremely hard to complete the project within a tight timeframe. The AirWing has been installed in recent weeks with initial testing and certification last weeks off the coast of Hull.

This was a mammoth task for a ship that is simply in service. The old foremast had to be taken off, navigation lights moved and stability tests re-run.
Captain Simon Merritt, Senior Fleet Manager, hopes it will deliver the intended fuel savings. According to CFD calculations, the Vectis Progress is expected to produce 8.3% less emissions when using IMO standard wind distribution.

However, the route between Canada and Europe is not standard and the builders hope for significantly more. The wing can operate up to wind speeds of 45 knots (Beaufort force 9) and is built to withstand wind speeds of 100 knots. Real tests will begin next week when the ship crosses the Atlantic to Canada.
Minister Mike Kane said, “This new investment is part of our Plan for Change – growing the economy and making Britain a clean energy superpower. I am proud that this funding is driving growth and creating jobs across the UK and ushering in an era of zero-emission shipping.”

Sources: including Maasmond Maritime, Carisbrooke Shipping.
Image: Carisbrooke Shipping

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