GT Wings secures investment led by Grieg Kapital

UK-based wind propulsion startup GT Wings, developer of the high-performance AirWingTM Jet Sail system (pictured, stowed configuration), has announced the close of a significant investment round led by Grieg Kapital, the investment arm of the Grieg Group. 


Grieg Kapital invests alongside established investment partners, including Blackfinch Ventures and One Planet Capital, to support GT Wings’ growth journey. The investment marks a significant step forward in scaling next-generation wind-assisted propulsion for the global commercial shipping sector. 


The investment will enable GT Wings’ growth plans, support the broader commercial deployment of AirWingTM, and accelerate the company’s global supply-chain and manufacturing readiness, as demand for wind propulsion increases with an evolving regulatory framework. 


“Wind-propulsion is emerging as a transformative technology for decarbonising global shipping, and GT Wings has developed a practical, scalable solution that addresses real operational constraints for shipowners,” said Stian Grieg, Grieg Kapital.

“GT Wings’ strength lies not only in the solution but in the team behind it – drawing on cutting-edge aero- and hydrodynamic engineering backgrounds from F1, America’s Cup, and leading maritime and industrial companies, giving them the depth needed to scale AirWingTM,” Jon Gjøsund of Grieg Kapital adds. 


The investment comes as shipowners face increasing pressure to cut emissions intensity, particularly under FuelEU Maritime, which will impose progressively tighter greenhouse-gas intensity requirements from 2025. Wind-assisted propulsion is one of the most cost-effective and immediate levers available to drive adoption across multiple vessel segments.

The market is at an inflection point. A DNV white paper on wind assisted propulsion systems reports 52 ships already in operation and nearly twice as many newbuilds on order. With most installations so far focusing on retrofits, this surge in newbuild commitments signals both integration from the design stage and a faster pace of adoption ahead.

GT Wings’ AirWingTM is described as the first commercially available Jet Sail, a high energy-density wind-propulsion technology designed to deliver substantial fuel and emissions savings. Its proprietary Jet Sail technology is said to deliver industry-leading thrust performance with a compact footprint and minimal operational disruption, a key advantage for shipowners seeking high-impact, energy-saving solutions that do not adversely encroach on deck space.

Working closely with its strategic global partners, GT Wings is preparing for large-scale installation volumes over the coming years, driven by strong demand signals and a rapidly expanding order pipeline.

“We are pleased to welcome Grieg Kapital as a new investor,” said George Thompson, CEO of GT Wings. “Grieg Kapital’s reputation for backing forward-thinking, sustainability- driven technologies aligns closely with our mission. The group’s heritage stems from one of Norway’s most respected maritime industrial families and the investment strengthens our ability to scale AirWingTM, as demand for credible decarbonisation solutions continues to grow.”.