A £60 million funding pot has been announced by the government to boost the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
Projects that will benefit include a 100% emission-free electric “flying” ferry in Belfast.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper praised Artemis Technologies in the Northern Irish capital when announcing the funding.
The £60m is to help develop new clean marine technology over a two-year period.
Companies in 12 regions across the UK will benefit from the cash, creating highly skilled jobs.
In Belfast, Artemis Technologies is developing ships that “fly” above the surface of the water.
The firm is to use the funding to help bring their invention to the seas on a commercial scale.
During the two-year investment period, successful companies will have to demonstrate that their projects will work in the real world.
Other projects to benefit include a bid by Collins River Enterprises Ltd to build and test a new all-electric ferry on the Thames between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe.
Another project led by AceOn Battery Solar Technology Ltd will develop hydrogen-powered vessels to transport crew to wind farms off the north-east coast of England from the Port of Blyth.
WingTek is also receiving funding to develop and demonstrate two full-scale prototypes of wind-powered ships with high-tech sails, which will reduce the amount of fuel the vessels use as well as the emissions they produce.
Mr Harper said the funding will help bring zero-emissions concepts to life.
“Our maritime sector imports 95% of goods into the UK and contributes £116 billion to our economy – more than aviation and rail combined,” he said.
“With growing the economy one of the Government’s key priorities, we must continue our efforts to ensure that the UK remains a leader in cutting-edge clean marine solutions.
“The funding we’re awarding will help do just that, bringing zero-emissions concepts to life and driving innovation.”
Chief Executive of Artemis Technologies, Dr Iain Percy, said: “The clean marine showcase competition is vital to unlocking those innovations across the region that will take the UK towards a more sustainable future and we are delighted that it has once again recognized the central role owned by Artemis Technologies. .
“With this latest round of funding, we intend to advance our green technology projects, develop world-class clean vessels for our seas, and continue our mission to lead marine decarbonisation.”
Sarah Treseder, Chief Executive of the UK Shipping Association, said: “Congratulations to all the successful tenders, covering a wide range of technologies and aspects of shipping.
“The UK Shipping Association is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This funding is an important milestone to ensure we continue to work together to achieve this important goal and will help us in the completing a journey from theory to reality in zero emission shipping.”