'Bring clean transport to market faster’: Northern Ireland firm to lead £15m project with Belfast Harbour as testbed for zero-emission transport
The Zero Emissions Transport and Energy Cluster, led by Artemis Technologies, will test new technologies at Belfast Harbour using digital twin technology
Belfast Harbour is to become a live testing ground for the next generation of zero-emission transport and energy systems through a £15m investment aimed at accelerating the development and commercial use of clean technologies.
Announced by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the funding comes from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and is the second project announced under the £30m allocation to the Belfast-Londonderry Innovation Corridor.
The Zero Emissions Transport and Energy Cluster (ZETEC) will be led by Belfast-based Artemis Technologies and aims to connect electric vessels, high-power marine charging, autonomous transport and energy systems through secure digital twin technology.
Testing these technologies together in an operational port environment will allow researchers and industry partners to gather evidence on how they perform as an integrated system, helping to reduce barriers to commercial adoption.
The project will bring together expertise in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies and cyber security, with the aim of turning emerging innovations into commercially viable solutions for the transport and energy sectors.
Economy Minister Archibald said: “This £15m investment is a significant boost for our growing zero-emission transport and energy sector. By bringing together expertise in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies and cyber security, ZETEC will help turn cutting-edge innovation into practical, commercially viable solutions.
“Supporting innovation and accelerating the development of new technologies is central to building a more productive and sustainable economy, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening our position in these important industries.”
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is designed to bring together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths, create jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.
The £15m ZETEC project is the second initiative announced under the Belfast-Londonderry Innovation Corridor allocation, which has received £30m through the fund.
UKRI chief executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman explained: “ZETEC is a critical Local Innovation Partnerships Fund project in Northern Ireland to bring clean transport to market faster by reducing risks and supporting the adoption of electric and autonomous technologies.
“This builds on local strengths and knowledge to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth.”
Artemis Technologies is a maritime design and applied technologies company focused on decarbonising high-speed commercial shipping.
The company evolved from the Artemis Racing team, which competed in the America’s Cup, and is developing technologies intended to support cleaner, more efficient maritime transport.
Chief executive Dr Iain Percy OBE said: “We’ve always focused on turning innovative technologies into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact.
“Through ZETEC, we’re collaborating with leading partners to demonstrate how electric vessels, charging infrastructure and digital technologies can work together to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient transport.”