Zero-emissions workboat will ‘fly’ over the water

Highly scalable, the technology is said to provide a number of operational benefits and will suit a wide range of vessels and applications including in the offshore wind and passenger transportation sectors.

Artemis Technologies chief operating officer Professor Mark Gillan told a 26 January 2021 meeting of the Workboat Association’s technical workgroup that the first vessel equipped with the Artemis eFoiler will be a multipurpose 11-m workboat platform, provided by Tuco Marine Group.

The workboat will have a cruising speed of 25 knots, a maximum speed of more than 30 knots and a range of 60 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The core technologies behind the Artemis eFoiler include hydrofoils, a flight control system and an electric drivetrain. The company said all of the various elements “have been developed and tested in relevant environments.”

Combining these core components, Artemis has developed a commercial vessel that is radically different from existing products under development, for which it sees significant potential for high-speed, zero-emissions maritime transport.

Professor Gillan said, “The eFoiler is a truly transformative innovation that will help commercial operators across the world dramatically reduce their carbon emissions. The electric propulsion system provides significant range at high speed, while also reducing operational costs through substantial fuel savings.

“Up to this point, we have carried out extensive design and engineering work on the foils, drivetrain and control system. Moving into 2021, we are very excited to commence the manufacturing and testing phase and look forward to beginning sea trials later this year. The demonstrator will not only prove the concept but provide an immediate zero-emissions propulsion solution for the workboat market.”

Professor Gillan continued, “The eFoiler enables vessels to ‘fly’ over water, providing an exceptionally comfortable ride, without causing any wake or wash.

“This means minimal disruption to the water surface and surrounding area, thereby protecting shorelines and wildlife, while also allowing vessels to travel at high speed for longer.”

The Artemis eFoiler electric propulsion system is a key component of a new class of zero-emissions, high-speed ferries being developed by Artemis Technologies in Northern Ireland, as the lead partner in the Belfast Maritime Consortium’s £60M (US$82M) UKRI Strength in Places Fund programme.