A striking new addition has joined the Port of Rotterdam’s waters with the debut of the Artemis Technologies fully electric foiling workboat. This innovative vessel, the first of its kind in the port, marks a bold step in the Authority’s commitment to sustainable fleet renewal and zero-emission operations.
The hydrofoil patrol vessel is part of a pilot programme designed to evaluate next-generation clean technologies for future deployment across the Port Authority’s operational fleet. By starting the operational lease of the fully electric foiling Artemis EF-12 Workboat for an extended period. This showcase is an integral step in the Port’s commitment to accelerating sustainability on the road to carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing emissions in maritime operations.
For the Port of Rotterdam Authority, showcasing the 100% electric Artemis EF-12 Workboat provides a means to which to operate a vessel with zero emissions contributing to cleaner air and lower noise pollution for the port. The advanced technology onboard contributes to the vessel’s stability, quiet operation, reduced vibrations and wave reduction on high speed. The port authority places a high priority on working safely and minimising disruption to the surrounding area.
The foils lift the vessel’s hull out of the water, reducing drag, increasing energy efficiency by lowering energy usage compared to conventional non-foiling vessels. The low wake profile of the electric foiling workboat when foiling can offer safety advantages for personnel working on, or near, the water. By generating less wake, the vessel mitigates the risks associated with waves in busy port areas, improving conditions for other vessels and onshore teams.
Herman Verweij, manager of the department of harbour patrol boats of the Port of Rotterdam Authority says: “In our ambition to be the most sustainable and smartest port, we are increasingly using modern age digital tools in our enforcement and monitoring tasks. This also implies that incidents will be detected that require us to respond swiftly across the water. With the fully electric Artemis EF-12 Workboat, we gain key advantages: minimal wave impact and exceptional stability, even in choppy waters. That’s why we are excited to explore whether and how electric e-foilers can complement our new sustainable fleet.”
For Artemis Technologies, this collaboration provides a platform to showcase the reliability and adaptability of its eFoiler® propulsion system.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO, Artemis Technologies says: “Collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how our Artemis EF-12 Workboat can contribute to decarbonising port operations. We are glad to be supporting one of the most integral ports in all of Europe with its efforts to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals it has set, whilst maintaining the highest of safety and efficiency standards.”
