Artemis Sells Its First Electric Foiling Pilot Boat in the Middle East

In a move that signals the growing demand for sustainable maritime solutions, Belfast-based Artemis Technologies has inked a deal to supply its cutting-edge electric foiling pilot boat to Noatum Maritime, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster. The vessel, an Artemis EF-12 Pilot, will operate in the UAE, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing port operations in the region.

Speed Meets Sustainability

The EF-12 isn’t just another electric boat—it’s a high-performance machine built for efficiency. With a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots, it matches the pace of conventional pilot boats while leaving no carbon footprint. The secret? Artemis Technologies’ proprietary eFoiler® system, which uses hydrofoils to lift the hull above the water, drastically reducing drag and energy consumption.

“This isn’t just about going electric—it’s about rethinking how boats interact with the water,” says an industry expert familiar with the technology. “The foiling design changes everything.”

Why Foiling Matters

Traditional boats plow through waves, creating significant wake and wasting energy. The EF-12’s hydrofoils eliminate that inefficiency by lifting the vessel above the surface, minimizing resistance. The benefits are clear:

  • Lower energy use: Reduced drag means longer range and fewer charging cycles.
  • Smoother rides: Crew comfort improves as the boat glides above choppy waters.
  • Smaller wake: Critical in busy ports where large waves can disrupt operations.

Add in advanced battery technology, and the EF-12 becomes a zero-emission workhorse—ideal for the repetitive, high-intensity demands of pilot transfers.

A Niche with Growing Potential

Ports worldwide are under pressure to cut emissions, and pilot boats—often diesel-guzzling speed machines—are prime targets for electrification. The EF-12’s design caters specifically to this need, offering a high-speed, zero-emission alternative without sacrificing performance.

Noatum Maritime’s adoption of the EF-12 suggests that the Middle East, a region historically slow to embrace green maritime tech, is starting to shift. If successful, this deployment could pave the way for wider adoption across AD Ports Group’s extensive network.

For now, all eyes are on the UAE—where a foiling, battery-powered pilot boat is about to make waves, without making any.