Wind-assisted propulsion to cut fuel consumption and emissions on Grieg Maritime‘s existing fleet
Grieg Maritime Group has entered into a contract with GT Wings for the installation of at least two AirWing™20 units on vessels within its fleet, reinforcing its commitment to energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
As the maritime industry accelerates efforts to decarbonise, Grieg Maritime Group recognises that immediate action is required to improve the performance of existing vessels. While alternative fuels and newbuild designs remain important for the long term, retrofitting proven technologies is essential to achieving near-term climate targets and maintaining commercial competitiveness.
The GT Wings AirWing™20 system, a rigid wind-assist “Jet Sail”, will be installed on Star Kirkenes. By harnessing wind power, the technology is expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption.
“While substantial savings are possible, the actual impact is determined by the vessel’s trade pattern,” says Technical Project Manager Marte Waage Haga in Grieg Star.
“Reducing our fuel consumption will always make sense. Our technical team has spent months assessing different wind-assisted propulsion solutions. Upon seeing GT Wings’ technology, they were immediately intrigued. We are confident in their assessment and look forward to seeing our first ship with Jet Sails,” says Grieg Maritime Group CEO Matt Duke.
The AirWing™ was selected for its high thrust output and compact footprint, representing a new generation of Jet Sail technology designed to deliver market-leading performance in space-constrained applications.
“The global wind‑assisted fleet is entering a major growth phase, with forecasts showing more than 80 additional vessels in operation by the end of 2026. Our partnership with Grieg Maritime Group, our first commercial order, is a key step in our growth strategy. With industrial‑scale manufacturing now established in Nantong and Europe, we’re ready to meet rising demand and deliver high‑quality equipment on time and at scale,” says Liam Campbell, CCO, GT Wings.
The design of the AirWing™ makes it possible for Grieg Star to install two such Jet Sails on the forecastle of Star Kirkenes, as shown below. They will not interfere with the ship’s cargo operations or capacity. The installation will be done during drydock towards the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.
The project marks the second full-scale AirWing™ vessel installation and a key step in GT Wings’ scaling of commercial deployment. It also builds on recent strategic investment from Grieg Kapital, strengthening alignment between both organisations.
“We’re delighted to be working closely with Grieg Maritime Group on this project and supporting their ambitions to lead on sustainable shipping. This collaboration marks an important milestone as we move into commercial deployment, continue to validate AirWing™ at scale, and demonstrate how wind propulsion can be deployed reliably across modern commercial fleets, delivering not only emissions reductions but also reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices, an increasingly important priority for shipowners” says George Thompson, CEO, GT Wings
The contract between Grieg Maritime Group and GT Wings is for two Jet Sails on Star Kirkenes, with an option to do the same on the other three K-class vessels.
