The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has visited Artemis Technologies to see first-hand how the company is developing clean maritime technology, strengthening Northern Ireland’s position at the
forefront of zero‑emission transport.
The Secretary of State had a tour of Artemis Technologies’ manufacturing and engineering facility, where next‑generation electric hydrofoil vessels are in production. The visit highlighted Belfast’s emergence as a leading centre for advanced maritime manufacturing – combining engineering, design and clean‑technology expertise to deliver commercially viable zero
emission vessels for domestic and export markets.
Artemis Technologies used the visit to showcase progress on the production of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry. These new vessels mark a significant step in scaling next‑generation vessel manufacturing in
Belfast, reinforcing the region’s role in high‑value advanced manufacturing and supporting the growth of a skilled, export‑led workforce.
During the visit, the Secretary of State also saw the first Artemis EF‑12 Pilot vessels, which are currently being completed ahead of delivery to customers in the coming months. The EF‑12 programme represents an
important near‑term commercial step for Artemis, demonstrating Belfast’s ability not only to develop advanced clean maritime technology but to manufacture, certify and deliver vessels into operational service.
The company’s work reflects Northern Ireland’s growing contribution to the UK’s green economy – translating local innovation into globally deployable products that support maritime decarbonisation while delivering long‑term economic value. With an expanding international customer base, vessels designed and built in Belfast are increasingly being deployed in global markets, enhancing the region’s reputation as a centre for clean maritime excellence.
The first Artemis EF‑24 Passenger vessel has been supported through the UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund developed as part of the Belfast Maritime Consortium – a 14‑partner collaboration spanning industry, academia and government. The programme has enabled Belfast to advance clean maritime innovation, helping to re-establish the city as a global leader in advanced maritime technology.
A key focus of the visit was the upcoming Belfast–Bangor pilot programme for the Artemis EF‑24 Passenger. The pilot scheme will demonstrate the vessel’s operational performance, passenger experience and
environmental benefits in a real‑world commuter setting, directly addressing congestion, journey time and emissions challenges along a strategic transport corridor.
While initially structured as a time‑limited pilot, the programme is intended to inform future decisions on permanent zero‑emission ferry services, with potential to support wider integration into Northern Ireland’s
transport network. Continued engagement with local authorities, transport bodies and stakeholders will be central to assessing how this new capability can be sustained and scaled.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said:
“We were pleased to welcome the Secretary of State to our Belfast facility and to demonstrate the progress already being made here. Northern Ireland is not just developing clean maritime technology – it is delivering it at scale.
“The depth of engineering talent, combined with strong collaboration between industry, academia and government, has enabled Belfast to move rapidly from innovation to commercial production. This positions the region to capture a significant share of the global transition to zero‑emission maritime transport, supporting skilled jobs, exports and long‑term economic growth.”
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:
“The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy is about supporting industries that generate economic growth, including digital, technology and clean energy, of which Artemis Technologies is a fantastic example.
“It was wonderful to see their zero emission maritime vessels and to hear about their plans for the future. Artemis Technologies is an example of the exciting innovation happening right across Northern Ireland.”
With the launch of the Artemis EF‑24 Passenger approaching, the visit underlined the momentum building behind clean maritime innovation in Northern Ireland, as the region continues to translate world‑leading
research into deployable, exportable solutions for a decarbonised future.
