Belfast Harbour - Experts & Thought Leaders

On 11th April 2024, Maritime UK was delighted to support the launch of the Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Cluster Network (NIMO). The launch event, which was attended by Maritime UK’s patron, Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal, marked a momentous occasion for not only NIMO, but for the whole maritime industry across the United Kingdom (UK). Patron of Maritime UK, Her Royal Highness, spoke to over one hundred industry professionals, including representatives of port operators, shipping lines, maritime professional services, construction and engineering companies. Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Network (NIMO) NIMO is supported by Invest Northern Ireland through its Collaborative Growth Programme Her Royal Highness congratulated NIMO on the launch of their network, and discussed the importance of Maritime UK continuing to support collaboration and in particular the development of regional clusters. The Princess Royal, explained the critical need for a skilled workforce to navigate the complexities of the sector and drive sustainable growth. NIMO brings together the entire maritime ecosystem of Northern Ireland ports, offshore developers, shipbuilders, manufacturers, logistics and specialist companies with expertise in low carbon solutions to integrate and support the maritime & offshore sectors. NIMO is supported by Invest Northern Ireland through its Collaborative Growth Programme. NIMO welcomed into the Maritime UK family Chris Shirling-Rooke, the Chief Executive at Maritime UK, commented: “We are both thrilled and proud to welcome NIMO into the Maritime UK family. Accelerating the development of our maritime clusters will support our coastal communities and help our maritime sector to deliver economic benefits both regionally, nationally and globally. Maritime UK look forward to returning to Belfast in June for the Belfast Coastal Powerhouse Summits and the the Maritime UK 2024 awards.” Kerry Muldoon, NIMO Facilitator, said: “NIMO brings together organisations of all sizes within the maritime and offshore industries, driven by a collective vision to nurture sustainable economic growth and cultivate high quality employment opportunities throughout Northern Ireland.” Creating a robust and adaptable supply chain Kerry Muldoon adds, “At the heart of NIMO’s mission is the creation of a robust and adaptable supply chain, primed to meet industry needs, and dedicated to realising the UK's Net Zero objectives through innovative collaboration. Maritime UK’s support has been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to shaping the future of Northern Ireland's maritime and offshore industries together.” Joe O’Neill, the Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “In line with our strategic objectives to be a leading regional port and a key economic hub for the region, it makes perfect sense for Belfast Harbour to provide support to the NIMO network.” Joe O’Neill adds, “The maritime and offshore industries have huge potential for growth in Northern Ireland and we are committed to working together with other members, partners and stakeholders in the sector to achieve mutual success and contribute to the future development of the local economy through this new and exciting initiative.” Maritime UK - umbrella body for the maritime sector Maritime UK is the umbrella body for the maritime sector, bringing together the shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries. Their purpose is to champion and enable a thriving maritime sector. Maritime UK has responsibility for the coordination and delivery of industry recommendations within Maritime 2050. NIMO has a clear purpose ‘to unite the Maritime and Offshore sectors in Northern Ireland to drive local economic expansion and unlock opportunities sustainably, through innovation and collaboration’.

Artemis Technologies, a pioneer in the development of innovative maritime technologies, is proud to unveil the design of its ground-breaking Artemis EF-12 Pilot. This cutting-edge pilot boat represents a major milestone in sustainable maritime solutions, combining advanced electric propulsion with cutting-edge hydrofoil technology to provide unmatched efficiency and safety in pilotage operations. With a top speed of 32 knots and a foiling range of 55 nautical miles, the 100% electric Artemis EF-12 Pilot is testament to Artemis Technology’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. Artemis EF-12 Pilot The Artemis EF-12 Pilot was developed following interest from pilot boat operators across the globe The Artemis EF-12 Pilot was developed following interest from pilot boat operators across the globe, and will deliver market renowned crew comfort and stability, whilst meeting the specific requirements unique to this challenging operation. Uniquely the vessel’s ability to actively stabilise the vessel’s roll, pitch, and heave during the transfer of pilots, greatly reduces the risks associated with this critical but potentially hazardous operation. Artemis Technologies and Belfast Harbour partnership This latest creation was supported by the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), with Artemis Technologies working closely in partnership with Belfast Harbour on a feasibility study regarding the potential of the Artemis eFoiler® technology to decarbonise global pilot boat operations. Dr. Iain Percy OBE, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Artemis Technologies, commented: “We are incredibly excited to introduce the Artemis EF-12 Pilot to the maritime industry. This innovative vessel is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and efficiency in maritime transportation. We believe the Artemis eFoiler® pilot boat will set new standards for pilotage operations globally.”​ Feasibility study included real world data collection & analysis He adds, “During the 8-month feasibility study, we undertook real world data collection & analysis of Belfast Harbour’s pilot operations allowing us to understand typical pilot vessel duty cycles and operational requirements.” Dr. Iain Percy OBE continues, “An exact virtual copy of Belfast Harbour’s existing pilot vessel was created and input into their Digital Twin toolchain allowing a virtual study comparing the Artemis EF-12 Pilot design against this real-world operational pilot vessel.” Analysis of the data collected in study He further said, “Belfast Harbour stakeholders were involved throughout the whole process and validated the findings of the study through virtual design assessments, reviews of results, and virtual trials driving the EF-12 Pilot in our full-motion platform simulator.” Dr. Iain Percy OBE adds, “Analysis of the data collected during our research and testing has indicated that the Artemis EF-12 Pilot will deliver significant cost savings over the expected lifespan of a vessel, prevent the release of CO2e, and reduce the relative motions between pilot vessel and ship during pilot transfer, when compared to the current vessels working in this sector of the ports industry.” Artemis’ prototype vessel, ‘Pioneer of Belfast’ The feasibility study allowed us to thoroughly examine the operation of our pilot boats" Jamie Faulkner, Deputy Harbour Master at Belfast Harbour, said: “The feasibility study allowed us to thoroughly examine the operation of our pilot boats, encompassing aspects such as fuel consumption, service and maintenance costs, and the environmental impact.” He adds, “It also enabled me to spend time on Artemis’ prototype vessel, ‘Pioneer of Belfast’. Whilst it was a great experience to be gliding through the port at 25 knots with virtually no wake, what was most important for us was the reduction in both noise and vibration, as well as improved stability at sea.” Reduce the environmental impact of maritime operations Jamie Faulkner continues, “It’s been great to have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the team at Artemis Technologies, they have grasped the essential elements of pilot boat operations, when working on the design of the Artemis EF-12 Pilot.” Artemis Technologies is dedicated to creating solutions that reduce the environmental impact of maritime operations, while improving efficiency and safety. The Artemis EF-12 Pilot is a shining example of their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Stena Line is celebrating the 25th anniversary (12 Nov 2020) of the relocation of its ferry services to Belfast from Larne in 1995.  During this time, the Irish Sea’s ferry company has achieved a number of key milestones including transporting in excess of 33 million passengers, 7 million cars and almost 7 million freight units. When Stena Line established its Belfast operation on 12th November 1995, it operated just three ferries to one port in Scotland.  Today, that service has significantly expanded to include seven vessels operating year-round services to Cairnryan, Birkenhead (Liverpool) and Heysham with a mix of freight and leisure traffic. Throughout the 25 years, the company has invested significantly in its Belfast operations and now the Belfast Harbour hub is Stena Line’s largest port operation outside its home port of Gothenborg, Sweden.  Stena Line’s Belfast operation has now transported enough vehicles that if laid end to end, would circle the globe three times. The last 25 years Stena Line has been a hugely important part of Belfast Harbour’s story Paul Grant, Stena Line Trade Director (Irish Sea) said: “The last 25 years have been quite a journey for us.  Each year we have managed to grow and develop our business which vindicates our initial decision to move our ferry operations to Belfast all those years ago.  I have had the privilege to be with the company for all of those years and witness the many transformations that have helped to create the successful business model we have established today.” “While there have been numerous milestones along the way a few standout moments for me include the introduction of the HSS Stena Voyager in 1996, the most advanced ferry in the world at that time; the opening of our new Belfast VT4 Terminal in 2008;  the opening of our new purpose built Loch Ryan Port (Cairnryan) with the accompanying introduction of the state of the art Superfast VII and VIII vessels in 2011 and most recently (March 2020), the introduction of our new build Stena Edda onto our Belfast-Liverpool service with sister ship Stena Embla due to be introduced onto the same route early next year.” Hugely important part Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “Stena Line has been a hugely important part of Belfast Harbour’s story for the last 25 years.  This special anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the milestone achievements that have taken place since the arrival of Stena Line’s first vessel in Belfast in 1995.”   “Our close working partnership has been evident since day one and Belfast Harbour’s programme of significant investment in port facilities during the period has helped to facilitate Stena Line’s remarkable growth story in Belfast.” “We are extremely proud of the quality of offering that Stena Line and Belfast Harbour have created over the past 25 years. Today we are one of the largest hubs in Stena Line’s European network and as we celebrate the strong foundations laid by Stena Line’s first 25 years in the city, we look forward to the next chapter of continued partnership working.” Newest addition Stena Line’s newest addition to its Irish Sea fleet, Stena Embla, has successfully completed a comprehensive range of sea trials in advance of going into service on the Belfast-Liverpool route in early 2021. At 215 metres in length with a freight capacity of 3 100 lane meters, Stena Embla will join sister ship Stena Edda providing a combined increase in freight tonnage on the Belfast to Liverpool route of 20 per cent, and each ship also has the space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers.