Permanent Secretary for the Department for Infrastructure, Dr. Julie Harrison visited the new facility, where she met with Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, and the senior management team. Dr Harrison saw first-hand the technology which will power the world's first 100% electric high-speed foiling passenger ferry in a Belfast to Bangor pilot scheme in 2024.
The 150-seat ferry will be operated by Condor Ferries and carry passengers along Belfast Lough within 25 minutes, significantly reducing congestion, noise, and air pollution along the A2 route connecting both cities.
Welcoming Dr Harrison's visit, Dr Iain Percy said: "It was fantastic to host Dr Harrison at our facility and showcase the innovations we are developing right here in Belfast.
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"Our mission is to support the decarbonisation of maritime globally through the development of new green high-speed vessels, and earlier this year we made that a reality by launching to market the world's first 100% electric foiling, zero-emission workboat range and passenger ferry.
"The ferry will set sail from Belfast in 2024 to demonstrate the unrivalled environmental and economic benefits our foiling vessels can deliver and will act as a showcase to the rest of the world as to what is possible with the right maritime infrastructure in place.
"We were delighted to be able to show Dr Harrison the progress we are making with that project and discuss the multiple benefits our innovations can bring to the region moving forward."
Dr Harrison's visit comes as the leading maritime design and applied technologies company prepares to move into the manufacturing stage of its passenger ferry project.
Dr Julie Harrison, Permanent Secretary, Department for Infrastructure commented: "It was great to visit Artemis Technologies today to see how its transformative technology can tackle decarbonisation of waterborne transport.
"At the Department for Infrastructure, we want to play our part in creating sustainable living places which is exactly what the solutions from Artemis Technologies could contribute to.
"It's exciting to see this technology being developed here in Belfast, and the potential impact it could have not only on our shores but in other cities around the world."
