Artemis Technologies are establishing a new facility at Belfast Harbour, creating 35 jobs and marking the return of commercial shipbuilding to the area.
Led by double Olympic gold medalist, Iain Percy OBE, the company will use its expertise of world yacht racing to develop new green maritime technologies and build an ‘Autonomous Sailing Vessel’ (ASV). A zero-emissions 45 metre catamaran, that will require no fossil fuels, the ASV will require no fossil fuels, offer unlimited range, and has the potential to travel at 50 knots, with a cruising speed of 30 knots in any condition.
Chief Executive of Artemis Technologies, Iain Percy OBE, says the company has a clear vision: “We aim to lead in the decarbonisation of the maritime industry by building on our America’s Cup heritage and expertise in hydrofoils, wing sails and control systems to develop and manufacture green-powered commercial vessels, helping to ensure a sustainable maritime future.
“The ASV has a variety of applications including City to City passenger transportation and will be the first in a series of commercial maritime products developed by Artemis Technologies in Belfast using the wind and innovative energy recovery systems.
“Through collaboration, research and innovation we plan to utilise Belfast’s rich maritime history and the region’s world-class expertise in aerospace and composite engineering to create the UK’s most advanced maritime manufacturing facility.
The company is the lead applicant on a UK Research and Innovation, Strength in Places funding call and has received the backing and collaborative support from stakeholders including Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Bombardier, Harland and Wolff, Queen’s University, Ulster University, Belfast Met, NIACE, Creative Composites and Catalyst Inc.
Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said: “I am delighted to attend the launch of Artemis Technologies in Belfast Harbour and support their ambition to research and develop a zero-emissions shipbuilding facility,
“It’s fantastic news that the company has chosen Belfast to build a 45 metre passenger vessel using a design based on the America’s Cup catamaran yacht. To begin there will be 35 high-skilled jobs created but a clear ambition to expand rapidly.
“Building on Belfast’s rich history of shipbuilding and combined with our current world-class expertise in technology and engineering, Artemis will collaborate with local universities and the aerospace sector to help kick-start a modern, shipbuilding resurgence in the city.
“This is brilliant news for Belfast and another example of a world-class company choosing Northern Ireland as the best place to invest, innovate and grow a world-class workforce.”
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