Maritime engineers have launched a “world first” commercially viable workboat that “flies” above the water using electric-powered hydrofoils. The eco-friendly vessels deploy the same foiling technology used by America’s Cup racing yachts, with hydrofoil wings attached to the hull with vertical struts.
Much like a plane taking off on a runway, the underwater wings drive the workboat up and out of the water as it picks up speed. That enables the craft to travel almost silently with its hull raised above the waves – thus reducing drag, and operating costs, dramatically.
The company behind the new zero emissions vessel, Artemis Technologies, is based in Belfast and headed by Olympic sailing champion Iain Percy.
