Belfast Lough-based Artemis Technologies - a world-leading high-performance maritime design and applied technologies company - has announced a partnership with Creative Composites in Lisburn to make parts for a revolutionary new foiler system – the world’s first commercially viable electric propulsion for marine vessels.
Lisburn-based Creative Composites will collaborate with Artemis Technologies, the world’s leading high-performance maritime design and applied technologies company, to create components for its revolutionary new electric eFoiler Propulsion System (eFoiler).
The system, to be manufactured in Belfast, forms part of Artemis Technologies’ plan to lead the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
David Tyler, Commercial Director, Artemis Technologies said: “This is an incredibly exciting collaboration that marks a major milestone on our journey to help the maritime sector reduce carbon emissions by developing new green technologies that will power the vessels of the future.
“With a commitment by the UK government that all-new maritime vessels must be fitted with zero-emissions technology by 2025, solutions such as our eFoiler system will play a key role in realising that goal.
“Using truly transformative and complex technology, the eFoiler will reduce the drag of modern fast vessels by up to 90%, making electric propulsion at high-speed and range commercially viable for the first time.
“With extensive experience making composite structures for the transport industry and a commitment to advanced manufacturing, Creative Composites is the perfect partner for Artemis Technologies and will form part of the growing maritime cluster in Northern Ireland.”
Creative Composites will manufacture a range of component parts for the eFoiler.
Jonathan Holmes, Managing Director, Creative Composites added: “It is a tremendous honour to partner with Artemis Technologies on a project that will not only contribute to the next wave of development in the maritime sector but will also make a huge impact on global efforts to combat climate change.
“It will further diversify the range of sectors we serve as we constantly innovate and expand our expertise, to satisfy the growing demand for advanced composite manufacturing.”
As part of the collaboration, staff from Artemis Technologies will be based at Creative Composites to work alongside the team, sharing knowledge and helping to build new skills and provide insights into the maritime sector.
Welcoming the announcement, Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said:
“Creative Composites is one of our most innovative and fastest-growing local businesses. Already working with countless leading global brands, this latest partnership announced with Artemis Technologies will further enhance its expertise, marking the firm’s first foray into the maritime sector.
“The collaboration forms part of Artemis Technologies’ wider plans to lead the decarbonisation of maritime transport – and Northern Ireland will be at the forefront of these exciting developments.”
Artemis Technologies, a sister company to the Artemis Racing professional sailing team is the lead partner in a Belfast consortium bidding to return shipbuilding to the city.
The collaboration showcases Belfast’s existing research excellence and high-quality innovation capability encompassing academia, industry and local government.
It is the only applicant from Northern Ireland and from the maritime industry to be selected for the next stage of the UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund.
If successful, it will see more than £30m in funding go towards the consortium’s strategy to decarbonise maritime transportation, while also creating new commercial opportunities and laying the foundations for future product development pathways.
Founded in 2000, Creative Composites manufactures advanced composites for customers across the globe, leading innovations in the rail and automotive sectors and beyond.
