Artemis Technologies has won the prestigious Maritime 2050 accolade at this year’s Maritime UK Awards.

The award, sponsored by the Department of Transport, recognises the firm’s efforts to capitalise on the opportunities presented within the Government’s Maritime 2050 Strategy. Founded in 2017, Artemis Technologies, led by double Olympic sailing gold medallist Dr Iain Percy OBE has a mission to lead the decarbonisation of the maritime sector through innovative and sustainable technologies and products. It is the lead partner in the Belfast Maritime Consortium which aims to design and build zero-emission high-speed ferries in the city by creating a unique electric hydrofoiling propulsion system that will revolutionise the industry.

David Tyler, Commercial Director, who accepted the award commented:

We are extremely proud to have received the Maritime 2050 Award as we continue to work towards developing our transformative electric hydrofoiling propulsion system, the Artemis eFoilerTM that will power green vessels of the future.

With a recent report from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) indicating that approximately 30% of ship emissions come from domestic voyages – twice as high as previously estimated, it is clear the type of vessels we will develop will play a major part in cutting the release of CO2.

We are proud that our efforts have been recognised and we appreciate the support and confidence invested in us so far.

Huge congratulations go out to all of this year’s category finalists and winners.

The vessels to be developed in Belfast, capable of carrying up to 350 passengers, will require 90 per cent less energy than traditional ferries and produce zero emissions during operation. It is estimated the project will prevent 77 million cubic metres of CO2 emissions by 2026, helping the UK reach a number of its net zero objectives and realise ambitions set out in the Maritime 2050 Strategy’s Clean Maritime Plan. The awards ceremony, held with the support of Plymouth City Council, moved online this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

For the first time, the awards embraced the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Awards, which were established to recognise progress being made by the sector to get to net zero carbon emissions.

Minister for Maritime, Robert Courts MP said:

The 2020 Maritime UK Awards is a fantastic opportunity for the maritime sector to come together to celebrate its achievements, particularly its significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response, and support for future talent.

Decarbonising shipping is essential to achieve the target of net-zero emissions across the economy by 2050, and the clean maritime sector offers a huge opportunity for Britain to build back greener. By winning our DfT Clean Maritime Awards, Babcock International and the Port of Tyne shine a light on the great progress being made by our world leading sector in moving towards net-zero and a more sustainable industry.

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans said:

What a line-up, what a backdrop and what a brilliant opportunity for us to showcase our flourishing sector, which supports 10,669 jobs and contributes £572 million to the economy in Plymouth.

We were incredibly proud to host the prestigious second annual Maritime UK awards this year, albeit virtually. In these difficult times it is especially important to celebrate success so I’d like to extend huge congratulations to all the winners, who exemplify the levels of creativity and innovation in the industry.

Harry Theochari, Chair of Maritime UK added:

We were incredibly pleased to be able to bring the 2020 Maritime UK Awards to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City despite the challenges presented by the current COVID lockdown. We are proud of the many outstanding achievements of businesses and organisations across the maritime sector and were delighted at the opportunity to celebrate this excellence last night.

The maritime sector is facing a time of significant and fundamental change, and it is encouraging to see that the knowledge, skills and expertise to tackle these new challenges are present in the UK right now and in some abundance. I would like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted finalists on their tremendous achievements and hope to celebrate with you all, in person, in Glasgow next year.