By Karen McShane, CIHT President

As part of my year in office, I have been highlighting climate action and what we need to do to decarbonise the transport industry and achieve an attitudinal change in how we travel.

I have seen some innovative technology and learned new ideas from my colleagues around the different regions. And in April 2024, it was an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s strengths and I was fortunate to visit Belfast Harbour Estate to meet the team at Artemis Technologies, trailblazers in clean maritime technology.

Born out of a heritage of excellence from the America’s Cup team - Artemis Racing - the company has leveraged their expertise in high-performance sailing to develop pioneering electric foiling technology for marine transport. 

This zero-emission technology is used to power Artemis Technologies’ diverse range of vessels, including an eco-friendly passenger ferry, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger.

The Artemis EF-24 Passenger is the world’s first 100% electric foiling passenger ferry with a commercially viable range and speed and is set to embark on a demonstration route between Belfast and Bangor later this year. The global interest is palpable, with places like the USA, Australia, and the Middle East keeping a close eye on progress, signalling a growing appetite for sustainable maritime solutions worldwide.

Image: concept of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger; credit: Artemis Technologies.

Titanic birthplace ideal for innovation

So, why Belfast? Rachel Edwards, Head of PR and Communications at Artemis, sheds some light. “With Belfast’s rich maritime heritage and track record of pioneering maritime transport innovations, the city provides an ideal backdrop for our transformative technology.

“We want to revolutionise people's perceptions and behaviours towards travel. Throughout history, Belfast has demonstrated a remarkable ability to embrace change and reinvent itself, so it is an ideal location to showcase how innovative thinking can unlock opportunities for people, the planet, and prosperity," Edwards explains.

The idea of passenger ferries is well tested in these islands with operations at Rathlin and Strangford as well as across Lough Foyle. London has already started an Uber Boat along the Thames with a high-speed connection between the O2 Arena, London Bridge and beyond. If this technology can be mastered, it will offer a real sustainable alternative to fossil fuel ferries and reduce our carbon footprint.  

Artemis Technologies' vessels, inspired by their sailing heritage, use foiling technology to effectively ‘fly’ above the water, enhancing passenger comfort with the added advantage of protecting the shoreline. 

The minimal wake created really sets these vessels apart from their traditional counterparts and is clearly demonstrated in side-by-side comparisons. This not only offers a smoother ride but also holds the potential to ease congestion and support community connectivity.

Looking ahead, the company wants to engage with governments and developers to support the installation of standardised electrical chargers in marina schemes and upgrades, encouraging future-focused designs that support these types of vessels.

With a diverse workforce boasting 19 nationalities based in Belfast, Artemis is not only driving technological advancements but also investing significantly in Northern Ireland's workforce development. 

One of my goals as President of CIHT is to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, so I was delighted to also learn about their commitment to STEM and the tailored apprenticeship scheme they have developed with Belfast Met, underscoring their dedication to nurturing local talent.

As the world watches, I am excited to say that I believe Belfast is standing at the forefront of a maritime revolution.

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Image: concept of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger; credit: Artemis Technologies.