lomarlabs, the venture catalyst created by Lomar, has announced a collaboration with Advanced Wing Systems to adapt proven sail technology into a containerised, automated wing-sail system designed specifically for global merchant shipping.
Advanced Wing Systems is known for its semi-rigid wing sails, which offer many of the aerodynamic benefits of fully rigid wings but with far fewer operational constraints. The company’s technology has powered yachts across long ocean passages and has featured in high-performance campaigns such as the America’s Cup.
With support from lomarlabs and Lomar, the company is now scaling this technology for vessels transporting global cargo.
Moreover, through the partnership, Advanced Wing Systems gains lomarlabs’ expertise in design, regulatory pathways and business model development, along with access to the Lomar fleet for real-world testing. The collaboration aims to accelerate the journey from concept to commercialisation.
“Containerisation changes the game for wind propulsion. It means shipowners can trial this system without the need to take their vessel out of trading, without capital risk, and without compromising operations. For the first time, wind technology can adapt to the needs of commercial shipping rather than the other way around,” said Greg Johnston, Co-Founder & CEO, Advanced Wing Systems.
“At lomarlabs, we help founders turn bold ideas into working, scalable solutions. Without an agreement for a global carbon tax, shipowners will only adopt technologies that provide a real return on investment from fuel savings. Advanced Wing Systems offers exactly that: practical, modular and commercially viable,” said Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director, lomarlabs. “This is about proving that decarbonisation can work for shipowners and charterers, not just regulators.”
“Our industry is focused on merging performance, profitability, efficiency and sustainability, but often struggles to connect the dots,” said Nicholas Georgiou, CEO, Lomar. “This innovative solution from Advanced Wing Systems could be a game-changer. It has the potential to transform how vessels use clean energy to cut emissions without CapEx and without disrupting cargo operations.”
