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Artemis launches prototype electric foiling workboat in Belfast Lough

The 100 per cent electric, high-speed foiling prototype ‘Pioneer of Belfast’ on Belfast Lough.
The 100 per cent electric, high-speed foiling prototype ‘Pioneer of Belfast’ on Belfast Lough. The 100 per cent electric, high-speed foiling prototype ‘Pioneer of Belfast’ on Belfast Lough.

THE company developing new zero-emission high speed vessels in Northern Ireland has launched a new prototype.

Artemis Technologies’ new high-speed electric foiling workboat took to the waters of Belfast Lough this week.

The company, headed by Olympic sailing gold medallist Iain Percy, said the test launch of the 11.5 metre ‘Pioneer of Belfast’ brings it a step closer to providing high-speed zero-emission maritime transport to the masses.

It comes just two weeks after Artemis announced that its technology will be utilised by Condor Ferries for a new Bangor to Belfast commuter service, set to launch in 2024.

The company said the prototype is undergoing sea trials ahead of the launch of Artemis Technologies’ small workboat range next month.

Speaking at the launch, Iain Percy said: “It was a truly joyous moment for our dedicated Belfast workforce when the champagne was broken on her bow and Pioneer first took to the water.

“Over the last five years we’ve assembled experts from the worlds of motorsport, aerospace and high-performance yacht racing who have worked closely with local talent to deliver the first of many such vessels that will leverage Belfast’s rich maritime history and place the city at the centre of green ship-building industry.”

Artemis Technologies’ commercial director David Tyler said: “This prototype, a first of its kind in the commercial workboat sector, is the largest electric foiling vessel in the world.

“Pioneer has already achieved regulatory approval,” he said.

“We’re now at a crucial time for not only the Artemis Technologies business but for the future of maritime transport.

“Pioneer of Belfast is just the beginning; we have several high-speed zero-emission vessels in development that will transform the commercial workboat and city-to-city passenger ferry sectors over the coming decades.”