Belfast engineers launch 'flying' boat
Underwater wings drive the Artemis Technologies vessel up and out of the water as it picks up speed.
Last updated 9th Jun 2022
The world’s first commercially viable boat that can fly over the waves has been launched by a Belfast company.
Maritime engineers at Artemis Technology created the eco-friendly vessel with similar electric-powered hydrofoil wings to the ones sister group Artemis Racing Team has used in America’s Cup racing.
It is the first economically viable boat using this tech, weighs in at 10 tonnes and will be used as a workboat that can carry 12 passengers.
The watercraft’s underwater wings propel it above the surface of the water as it gathers speed, like a plane taking off a runway.
Less drag means less resistance, and therefore less fuel costs.
It is for use in ports and for delivering crews to ships.
The company behind the new zero emissions vessel, Artemis Technologies, is based in Belfast and headed by Olympic sailing champion Iain Percy.
With a top speed of 34 knots and a range of 60 nautical miles, it travels silently and can be recharged in one hour.
The workboat is the result of a £12 million research and development initiative.
Artemis says it is the first of its kind available in the commercial market.
The company currently employs 60 people and has plans to create 1,000 jobs in the next decade as it further develops its range of green transport solutions.
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