With further investment from consortium partners, the total project investment will reach close to £60m over the next four years. The consortium includes Bombardier, Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE), Queens University and University of Ulster.
Northern Ireland based Creative Composites, known for their ability to supply high quality complex parts for some of the world’s most demanding global brands in the automotive, truck, rail, materials handling and medical sectors will now collaborate with Artemis Technologies to help create components for its revolutionary new electric eFoiler Propulsion System.
Artemis Technologies is led by double Olympic gold medallist Iain Percy OBE. Iain said: “Our concept for an electric hydrofoil propulsion system is totally unique and will enable vessels of the future to operate with up to 90% less energy and produce zero emissions during operation.
“As cities across the world seek ways to reduce pollution and ease traffic congestion, the transformative vessels to be produced in Northern Ireland, will have a global role to play in delivering the connected maritime transport system of the future.
“When we launched Artemis Technologies, we decided to base ourselves in Northern Ireland because of the incredible aerospace and composite engineering talent available.
Jonathan Holmes, Managing Director, Creative Composites commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for Creative Composites to participate in the development of critical components of the eFoiler Propulsion System. This collaboration will use our expertise in manufacturing complex composite components and apply it to help reduce emissions and tackle major environmental challenges. Many of our clients across all sectors are focused upon sustainability and reducing emissions, our continuous development work around light-weighting and innovating new composite materials is vital to help develop the vehicles of the future – autonomous, cars, trucks, buses, construction machinery and boats.
“As the UK’s most advanced composites manufacturer, we are recognised for developing innovative processes and products, we can provide a depth of experience, capability and capacity in support of Artemis Technologies.”
Professor Sir Mark Walport, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, said: "UK Research and Innovation funding through the Strength in Places Fund will bring researchers, industry and local leadership together in outstanding collaborative programmes that will catalyse regional excellence and economic growth across the UK."
