lomarlabs partners with Advanced Wing Systems
Lomar Labs, the venture catalyst arm of Lomar, has announced a strategic collaboration with Advanced Wing Systems to integrate proven sail technology into a containerized, automated wing-sail system tailored for global merchant shipping.
Advanced Wing Systems specializes in semi-rigid wing sails, which deliver substantial aerodynamic advantages akin to fully rigid wings, while significantly reducing operational complexity. Their innovative technology has a proven track record, having propelled yachts on extensive ocean voyages and featured in high-performance racing campaigns such as the America’s Cup. With the backing of Lomar Labs and Lomar, Advanced Wing Systems is now poised to scale its technology for application on cargo vessels worldwide.
This partnership provides Advanced Wing Systems with Lomar Labs’ comprehensive expertise in design, navigating regulatory frameworks, and business model development. Crucially, it also grants access to the Lomar fleet for essential real-world testing, accelerating the transition from concept to commercial viability.
“Containerization fundamentally changes the landscape for wind propulsion,” stated Greg Johnston, Co-Founder & CEO of Advanced Wing Systems. “It enables shipowners to trial this system without disrupting their trading schedules, eliminating capital risk and operational compromises. For the first time, wind technology is adaptable to the demands of commercial shipping, rather than the other way around.”
Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director of Lomar Labs, added, “At Lomar Labs, our mission is to transform ambitious ideas into practical, scalable solutions. In the absence of a global carbon tax, shipowners will naturally gravitate towards technologies that offer tangible returns through fuel savings. Advanced Wing Systems delivers precisely this: a practical, modular, and commercially attractive solution. This initiative is about demonstrating that decarbonization is achievable for shipowners and charterers, not just a mandate from regulators.”
Nicholas Georgiou, CEO of Lomar, commented, “Our industry strives to harmonize performance, profitability, efficiency, and sustainability, yet often faces challenges in achieving this integration. This groundbreaking solution from Advanced Wing Systems has the potential to be transformative, reshaping how vessels harness clean energy to reduce emissions without requiring upfront capital expenditure or interrupting cargo operations.”