HIGH-performance maritime design and applied technologies company Artemis has signed a joint venture with the Tuco Marine Group in Denmark to produce the world’s first zero emissions workboat in Belfast Harbour.
The hydrofoils and propulsion system for vessel will serve as a demonstrator vessel as proof of concept for the innovative technology that will be marketed to the marine trade by Artemis and Tuco (which supplies a range of different composite structures for the shipping industry).
A 'workboat' is used for purposes such as commercial fishing and ferrying supplies rather than for sport or for passenger or naval service.
Artemis Technologies chief executive Iain Percy OBE, a double Olympic Gold medallist and veteran of four America’s Cup challenges, said: “This joint venture will introduce our unique foiling solutions to the workboat market, which could now benefit from zero emissions and fuel savings of up to 90 per cent.
“Last year, when we announced our plans to create a new advanced manufacturing facility in Belfast, we laid out our commitment to developing technology that will decarbonise maritime and plans for the development of an autonomous sailing vessel.
“This electric foiling technology is the next natural stage of this project and a step in the right direction to realising our vision.
“This is a truly transformative project and it is incredibly exciting to be part of one of the solutions to climate change.”
He added: “The technology is perfect for those requiring high speed vessels with minimal environmental impact. Initially targeted at the aquaculture, off shore energy, water taxi, leisure and defence sectors, the proof of concept for the technology will provide an immediate route to market.
“Integrating our new electric eFoiler propulsion system into a composite autonomously controlled hydrofoil presents a scalable solution that can be applied to much larger vessels such as high-speed passenger ferries.
“Belfast’s rich maritime history provides the perfect setting to play a role in the development of such technology and we’re incredibly excited as to what this project will mean for our future as a company and in Northern Ireland.”
In March it was revealed that the Artemis Technologies-led bid “Decarbonisation of Maritime Transportation – a Return to Commercial Sailing” was the only application from Northern Ireland and from the maritime industry to be selected for the next stage of the UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund.
Recipients of the major seedcorn programme will be announced next spring, and if successful, the Belfast maritime consortium will receive more than £30 million towards its plans to decarbonise maritime transportation.
Since its establishment in 1998, Tuco Marine Group has established itself as a key player in developing the industry towards more environmentally sustainable vessels.
