THE company which created the proposed 24-passenger “flying” ferry service being introduced between Belfast and Bangor from 2024 is set to benefit from a new tranche of government money.
Artemis Technologies will take a slice of a fresh £60 million funding pot which the government has set aside for the UK’s race to decarbonise the maritime sector by developing futuristic green technology.
And British Transport Secretary Mark Harper was in Belfast to see Artemis's unique offer for himself.
Using technologies adapted from the worlds of high-performance yacht racing, motor sports and aerospace, Artemis is developing vessels that effectively ‘fly’ above the water surface.
The vessels produce zero emissions when foiling and offer energy savings of up to 90 per cent, resulting in significantly lower operating and maintenance costs.
Artemis will now use its portion of the funding in this third round of the government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) fund to develop 100 per cent electric hydrofoiling crew transfer vessels that are used daily in the offshore wind sector to transport technicians to undertake operation and maintenance activities at wind farms.
During the two-year investment period, it and other successful recipient companies will be required to demonstrate that their projects will work in the real world.
Artemis Technologies chief executive Dr Iain Percy said: “The clean maritime demonstration competition is key to unlocking those innovations across the region that will transport the UK towards a more sustainable future, and we are thrilled that it has once again recognised the integral role we can play.
“With this latest round of funding, we are emboldened to advance our green technology projects, develop world-leading clean vessels for our seas, and continue on our mission to lead the decarbonisation of maritime.”
Artemis has already received more than £3 million through the first two rounds of CMDC to develop a range of innovations including a green, 24-metre workboat to transfer workers to and from offshore wind farms.
Minister Harper said: “Our maritime sector imports 95 per cent of goods into the UK and contributes £116 billion to our economy – more than both aviation and rail combined.
“With growing the economy one of the government’s top priorities, we must continue our efforts to ensure the UK remains a pioneer in cutting-edge clean maritime solutions.
“The funding we’re awarding today to companies like Artemis will help to do just that, bringing emission-free concepts to life and fuelling innovation.”
Artemis leads the Belfast Maritime Consortium, which includes manufacturers, universities and local councils across the north.
