Article

Artemis Technologies Sets Sail With Innovative eFoiler® Pilot Boat


published on 11 September 2023 374 -

Artemis Technologies, a pioneering leader in the development of innovative maritime technologies, is proud to unveil the design of its ground-breaking Artemis EF-12 Pilot. This cutting-edge pilot boat represents a major milestone in sustainable maritime solutions, combining advanced electric propulsion with cutting-edge hydrofoil technology to provide unmatched efficiency and safety in pilotage operations.

With a top speed of 32 knots and a foiling range of 55 nautical miles, the 100% electric Artemis EF-12 Pilot is testament to Artemis Technology’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry.

The Artemis EF-12 Pilot was developed following interest from pilot boat operators across the globe, and will deliver market leading crew comfort and stability, whilst meeting the specific requirements unique to this challenging operation.

Uniquely the vessel’s ability to actively stabilise the vessel’s roll, pitch, and heave during the transfer of pilots, greatly reduces the risks associated with this critical but potentially hazardous operation.

This latest creation was supported by the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), with Artemis Technologies working closely in partnership with Belfast Harbour on a feasibility study regarding the potential of the Artemis eFoiler® technology to decarbonise global pilot boat operations.

Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies, commented:

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Artemis EF-12 Pilot to the maritime industry. This innovative vessel is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and efficiency in maritime transportation. We believe the Artemis eFoiler® pilot boat will set new standards for pilotage operations globally.

During the 8-month feasibility study we undertook real world data collection & analysis of Belfast Harbour’s pilot operations allowing us to understand typical pilot vessel duty cycles and operational requirements. An exact virtual copy of Belfast Harbour’s existing pilot vessel was created and input into our Digital Twin toolchain allowing a virtual study comparing the Artemis EF-12 Pilot design against this real-world operational pilot vessel.

Belfast Harbour stakeholders were involved throughout the whole process and validated the findings of the study through virtual design assessments, reviews of results, and virtual trials driving the EF-12 Pilot in our full-motion platform simulator.”

Analysis of the data collected during our research and testing has indicated that the Artemis EF-12 Pilot will deliver significant cost savings over the expected lifespan of a vessel, prevent the release of CO2e, and reduce the relative motions between pilot vessel and ship during pilot transfer, when compared to the current vessels working in this sector of the ports’ industry.

Jamie Faulkner, Deputy Harbour Master at Belfast Harbour, said:

The feasibility study allowed us to thoroughly examine the operation of our pilot boats, encompassing aspects such as fuel consumption, service and maintenance costs, and the environmental impact.

It also enabled me to spend time on Artemis’ prototype vessel, Pioneer of Belfast. Whilst it was a great experience to be gliding through the port at 25 knots with virtually no wake, what was most important for us was the reduction in both noise and vibration, as well as improved stability at sea.

It’s been great to have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the team at Artemis Technologies, they have grasped the essential elements of pilot boat operations, when working on the design of the Artemis EF-12 Pilot.”

Artemis Technologies is dedicated to creating solutions that reduce the environmental impact of maritime operations while improving efficiency and safety. The Artemis EF-12 Pilot is a shining example of their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
René Hartung Lotsenbrüderschaft NOK II Kiel / Lübeck / Flensburg, Germany
on 13 September 2023, 16:49 UTC

I am wondering if she is heavy enough to be stable when alongside in rough seas
1

Read more...

Article Unique electric pilot boat to the Swedish Maritime Administration

published on 17 October 2024

The Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) has ordered an EF-12 Pilot boat from Artemis Technologies. The foiling and fully electric pilot boat will be one of the first of its kind.

0

Article Port of Tyne invests in Artemis electric pilot boat

published on 10 March 2025

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.

0

Article Noatum Maritime orders Artemis EF-12 foiling pilot boat

published on 5 May 2025

Northern Ireland-headquartered Artemis Technologies reports that Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, is to purchase a state-of-the-art 100% electric Artemis EF-12 foiling pilot boat to operate in the United Arab Emirates.

0

Video Sailing Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

published on 10 September 2022

Some impressions from a sail on the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew in October 2021. The Pellew was built by Luke Powell and his team in Truro at https://www.workingsail.co.uk/ between 2017 and 2020.
Trips on Pellew can be booked through Venturesail on their website https://venturesailholidays.com/voyage-finder

1

Article Gladding-Hearn delivers new Pilot Boat to Michigan Pilots

published on 15 July 2022

Shipbuilder Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, said it has delivered by road transport a new pilot boat to the Lake Pilots in Port Huron, Mich. The Resilient Class high-speed launch Huron Pride is the pilots’ third boat built by the Somerset-Mass. shipyard since 1979.

0

Video Pilot Boat Ride Along (St. Andrew Bay Pilots Association)

published on 13 June 2022

Join me as I take a ride along with the St. Andrew Bay Pilots Association. We are going offshore in Panama City to bring back 2 Pilots and two coastguardsmen from a ship leaving port. It's awesome to watch the skill and teamwork it takes to safely transport Pilots and other personnel on and off these large ships. Special Thanks St. Andrew Bay Pilots Association Captain Zach Condon, Chairman Captain Phillip Brady III US Coast Guard ATON Team Chief Tom Ball Petty Officer Brendon Blackwell...

0

Article Colombo Dockyard Delivers The Third Pilot Launch Built for Sri Lanka Ports Authority

published on 24 February 2021

On 22nd February 2021, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) delivered a Pilot Launch, the third Pilot Launch, as per an Agreement signed with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 1st February 2019.

1

Video Baltic Workboats Steams into the U.S. Pilot Boat Market

published on 29 January 2026

Based in Estonia, Baltic Workboats is a long-tenured boatbuilder for multiple markets, including the demanding pilot boat sector. Late in 2025 in New Orleans BWB debuted a new hybrid electric 17m model, a boat that leans on more than 15 years of accrued experience building larger hybrid electric vessels. Carl Mahler, BWB’s North American sales lead and a harbor pilot himself, discussed with Maritime Reporter TV the value proposition offered by the shipyard, from manufacturing process to...

0

Video SWATH vs. Mono Hull

published on 21 December 2019

Challenge between SWATH tender "DÖSE" and two 30m mono hull vessels in 2013.

0

Article Rumos Práticos 58 published in Portuguese and English

published on 8 June 2021

One hundred and sixty-seven years ago, what was once a pilots’ association became Pernambuco Pilot Station. On February 28th of 1854, Pilot Station 9 first appeared in the port of Recife, and was to assume the current configuration with the development of the Suape port complex, in the Ipojuca municipality, 40 kilometers away. In the fourth article of the series on Brazilian ZPs of this edition, Rumos Práticos reveals the main challenges met in the state of Pernambuco by the pilot station, which today joins in implementing new operations and overcoming infrastructure bottlenecks.

0