Transportation contributes about one-fifth of the world's carbon emissions, and maritime activities account for about 11 percent of this footprint. With a clear mandate to achieve Net Zero by 2050, and significant reductions by 2030, governments around the world are taking action. Cities like Amsterdam are banning cruise ships and phasing out all diesel versions of its tourist canal boats by 2025, while in Italy, Venice is phasing out fossil fuel boats. The next generation of maritime vessels require novel technologies and innovative approaches in order to deliver the sector’s net zero ambition.

Artemis Technologies is one of the leading companies developing transformative technologies and zero-emission foiling vessels to support decarbonisation mandates. An applied technologies spin-off from a successful America’s Cup racing team, Artemis Technologies is developing the world’s most advanced high-speed zero-emission passenger ferry, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, which will launch in Belfast, 2024.

Artemis is leading a consortium of 14 partners, called the Belfast Maritime Consortium, funded by the UKRI Strength in Places funding program, to help deliver on a vision for maritime decarbonisation. Powered by the patented Artemis eFoiler® electric propulsion system, Artemis Technologies full vessel range will provide commercially viable green transport solutions for individuals, operators, cities and governments, with varying applications within workboat, public transport, port operations and luxury leisure sectors.

Professor Katrina Thompson, Head of Research and Programme Director for the Belfast Maritime Consortium will share insight into the innovative technologies underpinning their pioneering vessels, their capabilities, benefits and potential to decarbonise maritime. A chartered engineer and graduate in Aeronautical Engineering, Katrina has 30 years of industrial experience across aerospace, telecommunications, and maritime sectors and is an Honorary Professor of Practice in the QUB School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast.