The Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) has awarded Artemis Technologies a contract to launch a fully electric pilot boat, the first of its kind to be deployed in Nordic waters.
The project is part of Sweden’s aim to reduce its environmental footprint and strategy to decarbonise its maritime sector. The Fossil Free Sweden plan is an initiative launched by the Swedish government aimed at accelerating the transition to a fossil-free economy by 2045. This ambitious plan seeks to eliminate fossil fuel dependency across various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy production.
The vessel which is being built in Belfast, has an all-electric propulsion and is built from composite material. Operating with zero emissions, hydrofoil technology minimises drag and optimises energy use.
According to Artemis Technologies, operating with zero emissions, hydrofoil technology lifts the hull above the water, minimising drag, optimising energy use and delivering a smoother, quieter ride. Additionally, hydrofoil technology also reportedly reduces wake impact, minimising disturbance to marine ecosystems, shorelines and anchored vessels.
The Artemis Pilot boat will be fully operating from spring 2026.
It is one of many steps for us at SMA to reduce the use of fossil fuels in our operations
…says Erik Eklund, Director General, SMA. With its contribution to the fleet, Erik Eklund estimates that the total emissions from pilot transports will see a reduction of about five per cent.
