Isle of Man Ship Registry backs AirWing technology

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) is providing consultancy services on the development of a new wind-assisted propulsion system called AirWing, developed in the UK. Trials of the new sail technology, which uses fans to improve air flow across the AirWing, have been carried out this month on board the 11,051dwt general cargo vessel, Vectis Progress, which is owned by Carisbrooke Shipping and flies the Isle of Man flag.

UK-based developer, GT Wings, received GBP 3.7 million in UK Government backing and is now testing its AirWing technology on trans-Atlantic routes between Europe and Canada. The system, which is designed both for new vessels and retrofits, can operate at wind speeds up to Beaufort Force 9 (45 knots) and can withstand winds of up to 100 knots, the company claims.

Capt. Simon Merritt, Carisbrooke Shipping’s senior fleet manager, commented: “We have worked extremely hard to complete the project to this stage and we have passed all milestones ahead of target. Testing will continue during the coming weeks.”

Isle of Man Ship Registry director, Cameron Mitchell, said: “We are proud to be playing our part in this truly ground-breaking project that is driving fresh innovation into the task of decarbonising the shipping industry.”

The Vectis Progress is not the first wind-assisted vessel to fly the Isle of Man flag. Last year, the Berge Bulk-owned Newcastlemax bulk carrier, Berge Olympus, raised it, too. The 211,153dwt vessel has four 37.5m-high WindWings which, it is claimed, can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%.  

The Isle of Man Ship Registry, which is headquartered in Douglas, Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency, was the first flag state in the world to reduce registration fees for ships deploying green technologies.