Belfast Harbour is set to become a live testing ground for zero-emission transport and energy technology, backed by £15m from UK Research and Innovation.
The project is led by Artemis Technologies and will bring together electric vessels, high-power marine charging, autonomous transport and energy systems. A secure digital twin will connect the different technologies, allowing the team to test how they work as one system rather than in isolation.
Linking transport with renewable energy
Running the trials in an operational port should help identify practical barriers before the technology is adopted commercially. The project will also explore how transport and energy demand can be better matched.
Artemis Technologies chief executive Dr Iain Percy said the network could help direct energy to vessels and the harbour when renewable generation is high, while reducing use when supply is lower. The aim is to make better use of available wind power and avoid unnecessary shutdowns at wind farms.
The project is the second announced from a £30m allocation to the Belfast-Derry Innovation Corridor. Lessons from Belfast Harbour could be applied elsewhere across Northern Ireland, with Foyle Port and other regions already showing interest.
Why it matters for Britain
The project gives Northern Ireland a working environment for testing cleaner transport and smarter energy management. If the approach can be repeated elsewhere, it could help ports and other large energy users adopt zero-emission systems with fewer commercial risks.
