Article

Port of Tyne invests in Artemis electric pilot boat


published on 10 March 2025 -  3128 -

The 100% electric EF-12 Pilot provides crew comfort and stability, whilst meeting the specific requirements of challenging pilot operations (Source: Artemis Technologies)

The Port of Tyne on the UK’s north-east coast has announced the purchase of the UK’s first fully-electric foiling pilot vessel designed and built by Artemis Technologies of Belfast. The Artemis EF-12 Pilot is designed with new e-Foiler® technology that uses a combination of electricity and hydrofoils to provide fast, smooth, zero-emission transport.

The port’s Matt Beeton, CEO, commented: “Adding the EF-12 Pilot to the port’s fleet is a significant milestone not just for the Port of Tyne, but for the maritime sector as a whole. As the first UK port to adopt this groundbreaking technology, we’re not only improving standards of safety and efficiency, but also delivering a more sustainable operation in support of the Government’s Maritime 2050 strategy. Together, we’re shaping a cleaner, smarter future for ports across the UK.”

Iain Percy, Artemis Technologies founder and CEO, was helmsman for the +39 Challenge in the 2005 Americas Cup and subsequently a double Olympic sailing champion for Great Britain. Commenting on the Port of Tyne deal, he said: “We are delighted to partner with the Port of Tyne, which will see the UK’s first deployment of a fully electric foiling pilot boat ... At Artemis Technologies, we are committed to developing high-performance, zero-emission solutions, and this partnership is a testament to what’s possible when industry leaders share a vision for transformation.”

The new propulsion technology has already caught the attention of a wide range of potential customers from sectors including offshore wind, maritime security, pilot craft, survey vessels, and inter-island and island-mainland ferry service providers. Earlier this month, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seattle-based Delta Marine to design and build eFoiler® vessels for deployment on Washington’s Puget Sound.

Artemis vessels have speeds of up to 35 knots in sea conditions extending to Beaufort Force 5, with waves of 1.5 - 2m.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video A Day Aboard Pilot Boat Collingwood | Guiding Ships in the Port of Tyne

published on 10 March 2025

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Port of Tyne pilot boat crew aboard Collingwood! From sunrise to sunset, these skilled mariners navigate the River Tyne and the North Sea, ensuring the safe passage of massive cargo ships, tankers, and ferries.
Watch as the crew battles the elements, transfers pilots onto moving vessels, and keeps the busy shipping lane running smoothly. This is a rare glimpse into the teamwork, precision, and dedication required to guide ships...

0

Video Battling the North Sea: Pilot Transfers in choppy seas

published on 13 November 2025

Join us out in the North Sea as we take on another challenging day aboard the pilot boat, transferring pilots to and from massive ships in choppy seas. 🌊 Watch as we battle the swell and spray, timing every approach perfectly to safely board and disembark pilots onto moving vessels in tough conditions. From cargo ships to car carriers, this video gives you a front-row seat to life at sea — where precision, teamwork, and nerves of steel are essential. 📍 Filmed off the North East Coast of...

0

Video Pilot boarding in bad weather (Japan)

published on 6 April 2021

Original title: "Watch how this Japanese pilot managed to get off the ship in bad weather condition"

0

Video Bellcraft pilot boat powered by Volvo Penta IPS

published on 23 March 2022

The busy Strait of Messina which separates the island of Sicily from the Italian mainland is now home to a new pilot boat, manufactured by Bellcraft and powered by Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS).

0

Article Associated Federal Pilots Orders Launch From Gladding-Hearn

published on 13 November 2020

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, LA, has ordered a Chesapeake Class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Mass.-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

0

Article IMPA open letter - Crew exchange in times of corona

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 July 2020

The IMPA has published on 30th June 2020 a letter about crew exchange in times of corona. Read the letter here:

0

Video EMMA Extension – Smart fairway digitalization pilot in Saimaa

published on 9 October 2020

The smart fairway digitalization pilot is a part of the EMMA Extension project that is funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. This summer, 34 smart buoys were installed in the Saimaa deep fairway, which is Finland’s most important inland waterway for merchant shipping.
Safety is enhanced in particular by the fact that the pilots and VTS can adjust the light output of beacons and the rhythm of lights to support the navigation of vessels in poor visibility and weather conditions....

1