🌱 Belfast Harbour to Become Testbed for £15m Zero-Emission Innovation Project

🌱 Belfast Harbour to Become Testbed for £15m Zero-Emission Innovation Project

23 October 2026

Belfast Harbour is set to play a central role in an exciting £15 million investment aimed at accelerating the development of zero-emission transport and energy technologies, further strengthening Belfast’s position as a leading hub for innovation and sustainability.

Announced by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the investment will support the development of the Zero Emissions Transport and Energy Cluster (ZETEC), an ambitious initiative led by Titanic Quarter-based Artemis Technologies.

The project will bring together industry leaders and research partners to develop, test and demonstrate pioneering clean technologies within a real-world port environment at Belfast Harbour.

🚢 Driving Innovation in Sustainable Transport
The ZETEC initiative will focus on advancing a range of next-generation technologies, including electric vessels, high-power marine charging infrastructure, autonomous transport solutions and smart energy systems.

By integrating these technologies and using digital twin capabilities, the project aims to demonstrate how innovative transport and energy systems can work together to support a more sustainable and efficient maritime sector.

The £15 million investment, funded through UK Research and Innovation’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, forms part of a wider £30 million allocation to the Belfast-Derry Innovation Corridor.

This significant funding will help accelerate the commercial development of clean technologies while supporting collaboration across Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing, energy, digital technology and cybersecurity sectors.

🌍 Strengthening Belfast’s Green Economy
The announcement represents another important milestone for Belfast Harbour and the wider innovation ecosystem, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a centre for sustainable technology and maritime innovation.

With pioneering businesses such as Artemis Technologies based in Titanic Quarter, the area continues to play an important role in supporting the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to transform the future of transport and energy.

The project also highlights the value of collaboration between industry, government and research organisations in driving economic growth, attracting investment and supporting Northern Ireland’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.

👏 Titanic Quarter welcomes this significant investment and congratulates Belfast Harbour, Artemis Technologies and all project partners on this exciting initiative.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on sustainable innovation, both locally and internationally.