Northern Ireland based sustainable maritime transport company Artemis Technologies, is leading a collaborative industry-led Research and Development project that has received £3m of government backing through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4).
The funding will support the real-world demonstration of the 24 passenger electric high-speed Crew Transfer Vessel (EF-24 CTV), which was initially developed thanks to previous funding from CMDC2. In response to significant global interest from both wind farm developers and CTV operators, the demonstrations will prove the EF-24 CTV’s capability to operate safely under extreme wind and tide conditions – a key priority within the offshore wind industry.
The project will take place across multiple offshore UK windfarms, with Artemis Technologies working alongside an experienced consortium of partners, including Tidal Transit and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
CEO Artemis Technologies Dr Iain Percy said: “Offshore wind is a cornerstone of UK decarbonisation plans with potential to more than triple its capacity by 2035. In turn, CTV numbers are projected to rise significantly. If zero emission vessels are not introduced, we are looking at an estimated 600,000t of CO2e/year being released into our environment. At Artemis Technologies we are confident that we have the transformative technology that will lead to greener CTV operations and ultimately the decarbonisation of high-speed maritime transport. As a founding signatory of the Department for Transport’s ‘Operation Zero’, we want to see zero emission CTVs deployed in the North Sea by 2025, and this project will help make that vison a reality.”
Artemis Technologies will develop and deliver an EF-24 CTV operator training course, and undertake data collection and analysis to understand how the vessel operates in a range of conditions and locations. Onshore charging infrastructure will provide overnight vessel charging, enabling the EF-24 CTV to perform a full commercial operation cycle.
Leo Hambro, Commercial Director, Tidal Transit, added: “This initiative marks a pivotal step towards decarbonising offshore wind operations and maintenance. By demonstrating the real-life application of electric CTVs, together with Artemis Technologies and ORE Catapult, we’re paving the way towards a truly transformative low-carbon solution. This project will not only help increase vessel operational capacities and deliver real value to both CTV operators and windfarm developers, but it will also help the offshore wind industry meet its increasingly crucial net zero targets.”
UK Maritime Minister Lord Davies said: “Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting edge technology to propel it to the next level. The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK. Transformative solutions can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”
Image: EF-24 CTV (source: Artemis Technologies)
