A Belfast Maritime Consortium led by Artemis Technologies has won a £33 million UK Government innovation grant to develop zero emissions ferries in the city.
Τhe total project investment will reach close to £60m over the next four years, creating an initial 125 research and development jobs, and leading to more than 1,000 in the region over the next 10 years.
The 13 partner syndicate is the only Northern Irish or maritime recipient of the UK Research and Innovation flagship Strength in Places Fund.
Welcoming the announcement, First Minister Arlene Foster stated:
We are all proud of Belfast’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage. However, it is even more exciting to look towards a future which can see Northern Ireland once again leading the way with world-class manufacturing and cutting-edge technology
Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Belfast City Council added that this investment will help the economy recover more quickly, creating jobs and economic prosperity for the city.
In addition, Research England’s Executive Chair, David Sweeney, who leads the Strength in Places Fund, said:
All of these projects have the potential to deliver research and innovation that will transform activity within their target industries, in a way that is deeply rooted in local strengths and well linked to wider local economic plan
