LYVA Labs' Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Network member, GT Wings, is a step closer to bringing its innovation to market. The Airwing, a high-tech sail aimed at reducing shipping emissions, could soon be fitted to thousands of vessels and is currently being assembled by engineers in Hull, with sea trials due to begin this spring. The LYVA Labs team has been supportive of GT Wings getting to this stage in a number of ways - including helping to establish a strategic development and manufacturing partnership with Liverpool City Region-based A2O Manufacturing Ltd.
After connecting through LYVA Labs’ Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Network (part of Innovate UK’s Launchpad Programme), the companies worked with KS Composites to produce the ground-breaking AirWing, a wind propulsion system for commercial shipping that uses wind power to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 30%. This innovative technology can help ship owners meet the EU and International Marine Organisation (IMO)’s environmental standards and make fuel savings. A tailored turn-key engineering solution, the technology can be used on retrofit and newbuild vessels.
George Thompson, Chief Executive of GT Wings, said of LYVA Labs’ partner-matching: "Partnering with A20M and KS Composites was a pivotal step in validating the Airwing. Their expertise perfectly complemented our design and engineering excellence. The partnership contributed to the impact we're having on decarbonising the global shipping fleet."
Nigel Allman, A2OM CEO: "Our advanced manufacturing and structural monitoring knowledge, combined with KS Composites' expertise, has helped to bring the AirWing™ to life."
LYVA Labs’ Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Network's latest networking event will take place this March and will have a maritime theme. With experts from across Liverpool City Region’s dynamic maritime, and advanced manufacturing sectors, this will be a chance to collaborate with sector leaders from our network. You can also find out more about LYVA Labs’ grant writing/ finding, business consultancy, incubator, and partner matching services. Sign up to up to the event, here.
