Brabo, a leading provider of pilot and port services in Antwerp, Belgium, has signed a deal with Artemis Technologies for an EF-12 Pilot boat. This foiling vessel is fully electric and will be delivered in late summer 2025.
The boat, designed with input from pilotage service operators around the globe, meets the highest standards of safety and performance, and is fully compliant with ES-TRIN (European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels).
Also read: First Edorado hydrofoil powerboat emerges from mold
No emissions, minimised wake
The Artemis EF-12 Pilot is fully electric and produces zero operational emissions whilst slashing operational costs by up to eighty per cent. An advanced active flight control system offers precise control, ensuring optimal stability and safety in displacement mode during pilot transfers, even in challenging conditions – significantly enhancing comfort for both pilots and crew.
The Artemis eFoiler electric propulsion system also minimises wake, allowing for high-speed transit in areas where such speeds were previously restricted – thereby boosting pilot hour utilisation and lessening environmental impacts.
As part of the testing and validation of the Artemis EF-12 Pilot, Artemis, which is headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently put their e-foiling technology through its paces in the Port of Cork, Ireland. During the demonstration the Artemis EF-12 Workboat successfully completed multiple pilot transfer manoeuvres alongside a range of vessel types.
Also read: TU Delft Hydro Motion Team crosses North Sea with hydrogen boat
Towards a sustainable port
‘We are very excited to include this vessel in our fleet,’ says Herman Van Driessche, CEO of Brabo Havenloodsen en Bootlieden BV. ‘Since the first contact with Artemis Technologies, already two years ago, we were convinced that this technology could help us in our mission for sustainable, safe and comfortable waterborne transport.’
Van Driessche adds: ‘We are proud to soon be able to operationally deploy this pioneering foiling vessel in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. With this purchase, we fully support their vision to strive together towards a sustainable port.’
‘We are delighted to partner with Brabo to provide an Artemis EF-12 Pilot—a vessel that exemplifies our dedication to safety, reliability and overall cost reduction,’ states Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies. ‘This contract underscores the confidence placed in our technology and our ability to deliver high-speed, zero-emission solutions that meet the rigorous demands of maritime operations. Brabo’s decision to integrate an Artemis EF-12 Pilot into their fleet is a testament to the vessel’s performance and our shared commitment to future-proofing our oceans and waterways.’
Picture by Brabo.
