We use a global coupled atmosphere-ocean sea-ice model of intermediate complexity to demonstrate that wind-forcing is a crucial element to sustain meridional overturning flow in the Atlantic. Neglecting wind-stress in our multi-century-long simulations leads to a complete shutdown of the conveyor belt circulation. This result may have tremendous impacts for an assessment of the sensitivity of 2-d climate models which typically do not capture wind-driven gyres. It is argued that wind effects may be a key element in determining the fate and length of a collapsed THC state. Possible paleo implications will be discussed.