The Port of Rotterdam Authority has entered into a collaboration with Artemis Technologies to lease and operate a fully electric foiling workboat, the Artemis EF-12, for an extended trial period.
The move reflects the port’s ongoing strategy to support low-emission operations and explore new technologies that may assist in reaching its carbon neutrality targets by 2050.
The vessel, named RPA Zero, will be used by the port’s operations team to carry out a range of duties. The EF-12’s fully electric propulsion system enables zero-emission performance, while its hydrofoil design allows the hull to lift above the water during operation, reducing drag and improving energy efficiency.
The design also contributes to a lower noise profile and reduced wave impact, both of which are relevant in a busy and densely populated port environment.
In addition to environmental considerations, the vessel’s performance characteristics are being evaluated for their operational advantages. The foiling technology allows for more stable travel in variable conditions, with reduced vibration and minimal wake. This can help reduce disruption to other port users and nearby residents, and improve safety for personnel working near the water.
Herman Verweij, manager of the department of harbour patrol boats at the Port of Rotterdam Authority said:In our ambition to be the most sustainable and smartest port, we are increasingly using modern age digital tools in our enforcement and monitoring tasks. This also implies that incidents will be detected that require us to respond swiftly across the water.
With the fully electric Artemis EF-12 Workboat, we gain key advantages: minimal wave impact and exceptional stability, even in choppy waters. That’s why we are excited to explore whether and how electric e-foilers can complement our new sustainable fleet.
For Artemis Technologies, the deployment in Rotterdam provides an opportunity to demonstrate the EF-12’s performance in a major European port. The company’s eFoiler® propulsion system is designed for efficiency, safety and adaptability across a range of maritime use cases.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said:Collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how our Artemis EF-12 Workboat can contribute to decarbonising port operations. We are glad to be supporting one of the most integral ports in all of Europe with its efforts to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals it has set, whilst maintaining the highest of safety and efficiency standards.
The outcomes of the trial will help inform the port’s future fleet planning as it continues its transition to lower-emission vessels.
