Belfast zero emission ferry project among £400m UK government funding winners – Business Green

A Belfast-based project to develop zero emission, high-speed ferries in Northern Ireland was among the winners of over £400m in green research and development funding announced by the UK government today. The 13-partner syndicate – which includes Artemis Technologies, Bombardier and local universities – has secured a £33m grant to help develop zero emission ships in Belfast Harbour capable of carrying 350 passengers.  The consortium said the ferries would be among the most environmentally-friendly in the world, using up to 90 per cent less energy by relying on a “totally unique” electric hydrofoil propulsion system. The grant, which announced today as part of a major funding round from the government’s Research and Innovation Strength in Places Fund, will help fund the project for four years. Overall, the project secured £63m in funding from the programme, which pools government investment with funding from private firms and research institutions.

First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster praised the project, which she said would support local economic growth while also furthering the development of greener transport globally. “We are all proud of Belfast’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage,” she said. “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.” Click here to read more

Crew transfer vessels will be able to operate in either battery electric mode, or with assistance from diesel fuel  Ørsted has placed an order for two of the UK’s first hybrid crew transfer boats, in a move that will see vessels powered by both batteries and diesel used to maintain and operate the world’s largest offshore wind farm that is currently being developed off the coast of Yorkshire.  The company announced today that electric powertrain specialist Danfoss Editron and shipbuilder MHO-Co have been contracted to build the hybrid crew transfer vessels (CTVs), which will ferry up to 24 technicians or other personnel to and from the 1.2GW Hornsea Two wind power project around 55 miles off the English coast.