GT Wings has introduced a ship performance assessment tool for its AirWing wind-assisted propulsion system, with classification society RINA granting approval in principle confirming the methodology aligns with recognised industry standards.

The tool was developed by Blue Wasp Marine, an engineering and software company, using its proprietary Pelican Suite web-based platform. It is designed to support early-stage evaluations of potential fuel savings, emissions reductions and regulatory compliance benefits associated with the AirWing system.

RINA’s review confirmed that the modelling methodology and performance assessment framework of the Pelican Suite tool are aligned with recognised industry standards and guidelines, including MEPC Circ.896 and the ITTC Guidelines for Wind Powered Ships (2024). The approval in principle is intended to give shipowners a reliable basis for preliminary technical and commercial assessments.

The tool uses a four-degrees-of-freedom (4DOF) modelling approach to provide route-based simulations across different vessel types, operating profiles and AirWing configurations.

GT Wings’ Jet Sail system uses controlled suction and blowing to achieve aerodynamic performance with a minimal deck footprint. The company says it has completed more than 80 early-stage performance assessments to date. The system has been installed aboard Carisbrooke Shipping’s MV Vectis Progress, with additional orders placed by Grieg Maritime Group.

Jonny Gambell, sales and strategy director at GT Wings, remarked: “Our Jet Sail technology represents a fundamentally new approach to wind propulsion. To best serve our customers’ interests, it’s vital that early performance assessments are credible and transparent. This tool gives shipowners a trustworthy first view of potential savings, helping them to understand the return on investment and the reduced emissions that our technology brings. We are fortunate to be working with Blue Wasp, whose unrivalled simulation expertise has helped us to develop this state-of-the-art performance tool.”

Giovanni Bordogna, CEO and R&D lead of Blue Wasp, stated: “We are proud to contribute to the development and credibility of the wind-assist industry through state-of-the-art performance prediction tools. This approval from RINA for our Pelican Suite™ software is an important recognition of our work and confirms that we are progressing in the right direction.”

Patrizio Di Francesco, special projects North Europe business development manager at RINA, commented: “As a member of the International Windship Association (IWSA), RINA is pleased to collaborate with GT Wings in addressing the challenges related to wind propulsion performance prediction, leveraging its newly developed Rules for Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) and granting an approval in principle to support a robust and reliable assessment framework.”

Blue Wasp Marine was founded in 2020 and supports shipping and chartering companies with the development and assessment of wind propulsion projects. RINA reported revenues of over €1 billion in 2025. Its activities include ship classification, testing, inspection and consulting.