Brabo partners with Artemis Technologies on electric foiling pilot boat

Brabo, a provider of pilot and port services based in Antwerp, Belgium, has signed an agreement with clean maritime technology company Artemis Technologies to add an Artemis EF-12 Pilot boat to its fleet.

The fully electric foiling vessel is scheduled for delivery in late summer 2025. The Artemis EF-12 Pilot, developed with input from pilotage service operators worldwide, meets the highest safety and performance standards and is compliant with ES-TRIN (European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels).

The Artemis EF-12 pilot boat is fully electric, producing zero operational emissions and reducing operational costs by up to 80 per cent, according to Artemis. The vessel is equipped with an advanced active flight control system, which ensures precise control and stability during pilot transfers, even in challenging conditions, enhancing comfort for pilots and crew.

The Artemis eFoiler electric propulsion system also minimises wake, allowing high-speed transit in areas where such speeds were previously restricted. This capability is expected to improve pilot hour utilisation and reduce environmental impacts.

“We are very excited to include this vessel in our fleet,” says Herman Van Driessche, CEO of Brabo. “Since the first contact with Artemis Technologies, already two years ago, we were convinced that this technology could help us in our mission for sustainable, safe, and comfortable waterborne transport.”

He adds: “From the start, we were impressed by the quality product Artemis Technologies was developing with all its highly motivated staff. We have seen them grow over the past few years, and the results we already experienced have supported our decision to purchase this vessel. We are proud to soon operationally deploy this pioneering foiling vessel in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. With this purchase, we fully support their vision to strive together towards a sustainable port.”

Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, comments: “We are delighted to partner with Brabo to provide an Artemis EF-12 Pilot—a vessel that exemplifies our dedication to safety, reliability, and overall cost reduction. This contract underscores the confidence placed in our technology and our ability to deliver high-speed, zero-emission solutions that meet the rigorous demands of maritime operations.

“Brabo’s decision to integrate an Artemis EF-12 Pilot into their fleet is a testament to the vessel’s performance and our shared commitment to future-proofing our oceans and waterways.”

As part of the testing process, Artemis recently demonstrated the e-foiling technology in the Port of Cork, Ireland. During the demonstration, which can be seen in the video above, the Artemis EF-12 Workboat successfully completed multiple pilot transfer manoeuvres alongside a range of vessel types.

In 2022, Artemis Technologies unveiled the design of its new 100 per cent electric EF-24 passenger vessel, targeting the global high-speed ferry market. The ‘flying’ ferry, which won a ‘Gussie’ award in 2023, is among several zero-emission vessels being developed by Artemis, designed to provide commercially viable green transport solutions for operators, cities and governments across the world. It is set to enter service on a route between Belfast and Bangor later this year.