GT Wings receives Lloyd’s Register certification

GT Wings has obtained certification from Lloyd’s Register for its methodology for assessing the performance of its AirWing™ Jet Sail technology during sea trials.

The announcement, made at this week’s meeting of industry stakeholders in London for the RINA Wind Propulsion Conference, follows about 10 months of commercial operation of a 20-metre demonstration AirWing™ aboard the MV Vectis Progress, a Carisbrooke Shipping freighter.

The AirWing™, which was installed in March 2025, has been in use on commercial routes across the Atlantic, weathering winter conditions on the North Atlantic, as well as journeys through the Great Lakes and several Caribbean cruises. The Jet Sail technology has been deployed under a variety of sea and weather conditions, allowing GT Wings to collect operational and environmental data to assess actual fuel and emission savings.

External verification important

Lloyd’s Register confirmed that GT Wings’ performance assessment methodology aligns with recognised industry standards, including ISO 19030 and the ITTC performance analysis methods. The assessment confirms that the approach used to isolate and quantify the benefits of wind-assisted propulsion is technically robust and suitable for in-service performance evaluation.

Andrew Hurford, Senior Specialist Marine – Maritime Asset and Operational Performance at Lloyd’s Register, said, “Independent verification of performance assessment methods is essential for building confidence in emerging maritime technologies. We are pleased to have assessed GT Wings’ approach and can confirm that it aligns with recognised real-world performance standards.”

As wind-assisted propulsion transitions from pilot projects to commercial deployment, transparent and defensible performance measurement is crucial. Independent verification of methodology gives vessel owners, charterers and financiers assurance that expected fuel and emission savings are assessed against recognised standards and reflect actual operational conditions.

For now, GT Wings shares few technical details about the AirWing™ system (sometimes referred to as “Jetsail”). Available information suggests it consists of two elements. The main section appears to use passive suction, i.e. without mechanical energy, to optimise airflow along the profile. This is combined with an adjustable element, similar to the trim flap of a conventional wing sail, to further optimise performance.

This makes this technology quite different from existing systems, which makes external verification all the more relevant. The recent confirmation of this is encouraging, and creates more confidence in its practical applicability.

Source: Lloyd’s Register
Photo: L/R: George Thompson, CEO, GT Wings | Jimmy Lirvat, Head of Performance, GT Wings | George Georgandis, Senior Business Development Manager, Lloyd’s Register | Andrew Hurford, Senior Specialist Marine – Maritime Asset and Operational Performance, Lloyd’s Register at RINA’s Wind Propulsion Conference in London.

Windassist sponsor