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.
