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Artemis EF-12 Pilot Begins Sea Trials as First Fully Electric Hydrofoil Boat

The Artemis EF-12 Pilot, the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat, has entered sea trials aiming to reduce emissions in port operations.

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Artemis EF-12 Pilot Begins Sea Trials as First Fully Electric Hydrofoil Boat
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The Artemis EF-12 Pilot, developed by a Belfast-based maritime company, has officially been launched and is currently undergoing sea trials. This vessel is the first of its kind to be 100 percent electric and utilize hydrofoil technology.

Designed to operate with zero emissions, the hydrofoil pilot boat meets the rigorous safety and performance standards required for daily harbor pilot transfers.

Transitioning Away from Diesel Engines

In maritime tradition, the phrase “Dropping the Pilot” refers to an old harbor pilot disembarking a ship, symbolizing the departure of experienced navigators. Physically, however, the act of transferring pilots onto moving ships remains one of the most hazardous tasks in shipping.

Harbor pilots are expert local navigators who must board large cargo vessels from small boats, often executing precarious jumps amid rough seas.

To ensure their safety, pilot boats have evolved into robust, highly stable vessels. Typically, these boats rely on powerful diesel engines to navigate heavy coastal waves, using substantial horsepower to overcome water resistance. Artemis Technologies has taken a different approach by employing hydrofoil technology to lift the boat above the water's surface.

The patented Artemis eFoiler system enables the carbon-fiber vessel to rise completely out of the sea at speed, significantly reducing hydrodynamic drag. This design also eliminates the large, rolling wake that can damage shorelines and disturb anchored ships.

“Pilotage places very specific demands on a vessel. The Artemis EF‑12 Pilot applies proven foiling technology to meet those demands, delivering an efficient, fully electric solution that supports pilots, crews, and port operations globally,” stated Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies.

The boat features deep-V hulls engineered to cut through coastal waves while remaining watertight and self-righting, similar to lifeboats.

Given the severe impacts involved when coming alongside moving ships, pilot boats are reinforced structurally and protected with heavy-duty elastomeric, polyurethane, or foam-filled fenders. Under the deck, high-performance power systems provide rapid throttle response and precise maneuvering capabilities essential for pilot transfers.

The Artemis EF-12 Pilot actively stabilizes ride height, roll, and pitch to reduce deck motion, ensuring safe pilot transfers even at high speeds. It can reach a maximum speed of 32 knots (37 mph) and has a foiling range between 45 and 55 nautical miles (52 to 63 miles). The vessel supports ultra-fast DC charging, achieving a full charge in less than an hour.

Growing Demand and Secured Orders

With increasing pressure to reduce emissions in maritime operations, the demand for zero-emission harbor fleets is rising globally. Pilot boats, which operate on near-continuous daily schedules, are well-suited for electrification due to their high operational frequency.

The Artemis EF-12 Pilot is available in two versions: Single Propulsion and Dual Propulsion, and can carry up to four passengers.

Several major international operators have already placed orders, including Brabo in Belgium, the Swedish Maritime Administration, Noatum Maritime in Abu Dhabi, and the Port of Tyne in the United Kingdom.

The vessel is notably quiet; during both simulated tests and real-world trials, crews reported experiencing up to six times fewer body vibrations compared to traditional diesel-powered pilot boats.

Safety and operational reliability are prioritized in the design, which includes an optimized layout, enhanced visibility, and strategic deck arrangements to facilitate consistent pilot transfer operations.

An active flight control system further improves stability during critical pilot boarding and disembarking procedures.

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