Artemis Technologies Launches Zero-Emission Foiling Workboats

Artemis Technologies, a builder of vessels with alternative propulsion systems, has launched an electrically powered, high-speed foiling workboat range. Developed and built in Belfast, Ireland, the zero-emission vessels represent a $14.5 million (£12 million) investment in research and development.

With a top speed of 34 knots and a range of 60 nautical miles at 25 knots cruise speed, the vessels produce energy savings of up to 90% compared to conventional fossil fuel workboats, according to the builder.

Benefits of Foiling

Powered by the Artemis eFoiler ® propulsion system, the workboats fly above the water, ensuring a more comfortable gliding experience no matter the sea conditions and creating minimal wake, making them a potential solution for traditionally busy waterways.

Targeted at the global workboat and crew-transfer market, Artemis Technologies’ electric foiling workboat range has been developed and tested on an advanced marine digital twin simulator located in Belfast.

The company, which currently employs 60 people, is developing a range of green transport solutions that it anticipates will create 1,000 jobs over the next decade. Artemis Technologies is a spin-off from the Artemis Racing team that competed in the America’s Cup competition. Its founder, two-time Olympic champion Dr. Iain Percy OBE is a four-time veteran.

“Combining our experience from the worlds of high-performance sailing, motorsports and advanced manufacturing, the electric propulsion system that we’ve designed and developed is an absolute game changer for the industry in terms of range, costs savings and minimal wake created,” he said.

Percy added, “With hydrofoils that lift the boats out of the water, we are dramatically reducing drag. This is coupled with a submerged electric drivetrain that is exceptionally efficient, as proven through rigorous testing with our partners, confirming what we had discovered through our own onshore digital simulations.

Safer Delivery

Percy explained that because a hydrofoiling vessel rides above the waves, Artemis can deliver crew members or port operations personnel to their destination without discomfort.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “As our vessels transform the commercial workboat and city-to-city passenger ferry sectors over the coming years, Belfast and the UK will be at the forefront, creating thousands of jobs across the supply chain and heralding a green shipbuilding revolution.”

With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requiring emissions to be halved by 2050, advances in electric propulsion and in foiling technology are moving quickly. Artemis Technologies workboat range includes a 37’9” (11.5 m) multi-purpose workboat and a 39’4” (12 m) crew transfer vessel. A 78’9” (24 m) crew transfer vessel is also currently under development.