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The Pioneer of Belfast glides above the water, quiet and smooth, leaving little wake behind it.<\/b><\/p>\n
“Even in big waves and wind, we can see the benefits of flying above the waves,” says Katrina Thompson, programme director at Artemis Technologies. <\/p>\n
The Pioneer, developed by Artemis Technologies, is the world’s first electric foiling workboat to be brought to market. <\/p>\n
The foil, a wing-like structure underneath the boat, lifts the hull out of the water, greatly reducing drag.<\/p>\n
Combine with an electric motor and you have, according to Artemis, a vessel which reduces fuel costs by 90% and is emission-free.<\/p>\n
“It’s such a transformative technology,” says Dr Thompson.<\/p>\n
Dr Thompson grew up in Sailortown, Belfast, in amongst the bustle of heavy industry. She spent her childhood playing on the docks while her parents worked on the boats.<\/p>\n
She left Belfast to become an aeronautical engineer, designing aircraft for Rolls-Royce and Bombardier. Then, she went back to her roots – taking her expertise with her. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n