GT Wings introduces performance assessment tool for Jet Sail wind propulsion approved by RINA

GT Wings has launched a sophisticated performance assessment tool designed to evaluate the efficiency of its AirWing™ wind-assisted propulsion system. Developed in collaboration with Blue Wasp Marine, this digital solution utilizes the proprietary Pelican Suite™ platform to provide shipowners with early-stage feasibility data. By simulating wind-assisted propulsion performance, the tool helps maritime operators optimize fuel consumption and reduce carbon intensity across various vessel types, marking a significant advancement in sustainable shipping technology for the global merchant navy fleet.

This technological integration aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) EEXI and CII regulations under MARPOL Annex VI, which mandate stringent carbon reduction targets for existing vessels. Compliance departments must ensure that wind-assisted propulsion systems meet the rigorous safety and stability standards set by classification societies like RINA. By providing verifiable performance data, the Pelican Suite™ assists fleets in maintaining regulatory compliance while navigating the complexities of the Energy Efficiency Design Index, ultimately shielding operators from potential non-compliance penalties and operational restrictions in international waters.

For masters and navigating officers, this innovation necessitates a deeper understanding of how wind-assisted propulsion impacts vessel handling and voyage planning. Navigating officers must now account for real-time wind-assist performance data when calculating fuel-efficient routes and ETA adjustments. Masters will be required to oversee the integration of these automated assessment outputs into daily bridge reports, ensuring that the vessel’s operational profile remains optimized for both safety and environmental regulatory adherence during transit.