Projects & Innovation
Carisbrooke Shipping - Innovation
Carisbrooke Shipping is committed to continually improving the performance, efficiency and sustainability of its fleet, both through the optimisation of vessels in service and the careful development of new tonnage. Every new vessel is rigorously assessed to maximise cargo intake, operational efficiency and long-term reliability. This often includes modifications such as hull deepening and equipment reconfiguration, always guided by the company's practical philosophy: "Keep it simple" for the crew responsible for operating and maintaining the vessels throughout their service life.
Innovation has long been at the heart of Carisbrooke's approach to shipping. The company's pioneering Vectis-class vessels were among the first to incorporate the Groot Crossbow hull concept and highly streamlined hull forms, enabling Ice Class 1A capability with comparatively low engine power and a ducted propeller arrangement. These vessels marked the beginning of a wider innovation journey that has since led to participation in numerous pioneering projects and industry recognition.
AirWing project
One of the company's flagship innovation initiatives is the AirWing project, developed in partnership with GT Wings and supported by Innovate UK funding. Alongside our consortium partners, Carisbrooke successfully helped design, build, install, certify and trial a 20-metre rigid suction wing onboard Vectis Progress. Following multiple Atlantic crossings, extensive operational data has been gathered to further optimise the system and maximise the use of wind-assisted propulsion. The project continues to demonstrate the viability of advanced wind technology in the harshest of marine environments.
Carnot project
Carisbrooke has also played a key role in the Carnot project, another Innovate UK-supported collaboration focused on the development of a highly efficient, fuel-agnostic engine. The company is preparing for onboard trials that are expected to include the first hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine installed on a vessel within the UK, representing a significant milestone in maritime decarbonisation.
Solar arrays
Further innovation partnerships include work with MarineSolar Energy Solutions (formerly Grafmarine), where prototype solar arrays were installed onboard a Carisbrooke vessel to assess performance and durability in real-world marine conditions. The resulting operational data enabled further refinement of the technology, including analysis of how vessel course and latitude affect energy generation.
Cold ironing trial
In collaboration with Zenobe, Carisbrooke also facilitated the first cold ironing trial for a vessel at the Port of Antwerp onboard UAL Osprey. The project utilised a specially designed shoreside battery container incorporating repurposed coach batteries, enabling the vessel to complete a zero-emission port call.
Alongside these major initiatives, Carisbrooke continues to pursue a wide range of operational efficiency measures across the fleet:
Through continued investment in innovation, operational efficiency and practical vessel design, Carisbrooke Shipping remains focused on delivering reliable and sustainable shipping solutions for the future.
Our project partners
