A new chapter in marine innovation is taking shape—one that combines zero-emission propulsion, cutting-edge hydrofoil technology, and international collaboration.
The Artemis EF-12 Escape, a 100% electric foiling water taxi, represents a turning point for clean maritime operations. With its arrival at COVE’s marine terminal on the Halifax waterfront, the vessel exemplifies how innovation and sustainability are converging to reshape the future of the marine economy.
Developed by Artemis Technologies in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the EF-12 Escape is powered by the proprietary eFoiler® propulsion system, enabling the vessel to lift above the water’s surface, dramatically reducing drag and energy consumption. With speeds up to 31 knots and a foiling range of 55 nautical miles per charge, it delivers high performance with low environmental impact—virtually eliminating wake, underwater noise, and carbon emissions.
Canada’s Atlantic Gateway: A Testbed for Clean Maritime Technology
The EF-12 Escape’s deployment at COVE positions Nova Scotia as a strategic hub for the global testing and adoption of next-generation marine technologies. By leveraging the province’s diverse coastal conditions, existing infrastructure, and collaborative ecosystem, Artemis Technologies is gaining critical operational insights while contributing to Canada’s maritime decarbonization journey.
While in Halifax, the EF-12 Escape was featured in a series of guided tours that gave attendees a firsthand understanding of its electric propulsion system, hydrofoil design, and commercial relevance to the marine sector. These tours sparked productive dialogue about the vessel’s potential across port operations, coastal logistics, and research missions, and highlighted growing interest in electrification across Canada’s marine industry.
Powered by Global Collaboration: Artemis, UKRI, and Strategic Market Access
The EF-12 Escape was brought to market with support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through its Strength in Places Fund, which fosters regional innovation clusters to accelerate sustainable economic growth. This strategic backing enabled Artemis Technologies to develop, scale, and deploy its technology internationally.
COVE plays a complementary role through its partnership with Innovate UK in delivering the Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator—a program that supports high-growth UK ocean tech companies entering the Canadian market. While Artemis operates independently of that program, its deployment at COVE reflects a shared transatlantic ambition to advance clean technologies through international pathways.
Real-World Testing for Real-World Impact
Hosted within COVE’s vibrant ecosystem of marine innovators—from early-stage ventures to multinational defence firms—the EF-12 Escape is being demonstrated in Nova Scotia’s coastal waters, offering a rare opportunity to observe electric hydrofoil technology in action.
These in-water operations provide valuable insight into how clean workboat technologies could perform under regional marine conditions, and spark discussions about the infrastructure, standards, and support systems needed to scale electrification across Canada’s marine sectors.
Why It Matters: Electrification and the Evolution of the Marine Sector
The Artemis EF-12 Escape is more than a demonstration of what’s technically possible—it’s a tangible example of where the marine sector is headed. With silent operation, minimal wake, and zero emissions, the vessel is ideally suited for environmentally sensitive areas, nearshore logistics, and port services.
Its hydrofoil capabilities extend range, reduce fuel costs, and improve stability—making it an attractive model for replacing conventional diesel-powered platforms. For Canada’s marine technology sector, the EF-12 Escape is a working case study in the integration of clean propulsion systems into real-world applications.
Looking Ahead: Charting a Course for Clean Marine Technology
As countries accelerate commitments to decarbonization and fleet electrification, the Artemis EF-12 Escape stands as a powerful example of how innovation, investment, and international collaboration can deliver scalable, real-world solutions. Its deployment at COVE reinforces the critical role of purpose-built innovation hubs in supporting every stage of technology development—from testing and validation to commercialization.
As the global ocean economy shifts toward cleaner, smarter operations, COVE continues to lead this transformation—serving as a catalyst for progress and a proving ground for next-generation marine technologies. Vessels like the EF-12 Escape are not only redefining performance—they’re lighting the way toward a more sustainable, efficient future on the water.