UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund is investing £33M in Northern Ireland, to kick start a shipbuilding resurgence right in the heart of Belfast Harbour.
Key Objectives:
- Develop the technical and operational requirements for a maritime transport system of the future;
- Undertake fundamental research into marine composite materials, integration of sensors, anti-fouling, collision avoidance systems, cyber security and safety;
- Create an education programme and route to high-value jobs;
- Act as a catalyst for collaboration between Northern Ireland’s marine, aerospace and automotive clusters; and
- Demonstrate the technologies and innovations created during the project though the operation of passenger ferry pilot scheme.
Project Timeline
2018



- Belfast Maritime Consortium formed.

2020




- Funding awarded and project begins.


- Business Secretary visits members of the Belfast Maritime Consortium.

2021







- University led fundamental research projects begin.


- Artemis Technologies maritime simulator relocates to Northern Ireland.

- Opening of project exhibit & community engagement at the W5 Science Museum.

- Belfast Metropolitan College electrical and composite technician courses begin.

- 12m workboat technology demonstrator launched.

2022



- Sub-system testing on technology demonstrator.

- New advanced maritime design and manufacturing facility opens in Belfast Harbour.

- Manufacturing of ferry prototype begins.

- 24m passenger ferry design unveiled and the Belfast-Bangor pilot ‘Zero’

2023

- Launch of ferry prototype and sea trials.

- Passenger ferry pilot scheme operation.

2024
- Project completed.
