Jacobsen Pilot Service, Long Beach, Calif., will put the nation’s first commercial electric hydrofoil pilot boat to work at the Port of Long Beach, with delivery of the Artemis EF-12 Pilot scheduled for late 2027.
The 100% electric vessel is being built by Artemis Technologies, Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is expected to account for about 30% of Jacobsen’s annual pilot boat operating hours. Artemis estimates the vessel will save roughly 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel and about 400 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Jacobsen is the exclusive pilotage provider for the Port of Long Beach and will operate the new boat alongside its existing fleet as part of its around-the-clock service.
The 12-meter EF-12 Pilot uses Artemis’ eFoiler technology to lift its hull above the water during transit, reducing drag and energy consumption. The vessel returns to displacement mode for pilot transfers alongside ships, where its active flight-control system is designed to help stabilize the boat.
The EF-12 will carry up to four pilots and two crew and operate at a service speed of 25 knots. A dedicated DC fast charger will be installed at Jacobsen’s dock.
Jacobsen President and CEO Tom Jacobsen said company personnel tested Artemis’ hydrofoil technology in both San Francisco and Belfast before placing the order.
“We’ve seen first-hand the benefits of reduced weight and lower maintenance,” Jacobsen said. “After experiencing the eFoiler technology in both San Francisco and Belfast, we’re confident we can provide the Port of Long Beach and our pilots and crew a safe and efficient solution for cleaner port operations.”
The purchase is being supported by a $3.23 million award through the Port of Long Beach’s System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport program. SWIFT is funded through the California State Transportation Agency’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program and supports projects aimed at cleaner goods movement and improved air quality.
Artemis has also carried out ship-contact testing of the EF-12 design. Trials in Cork Harbour included 15 contacts with four vessel types ranging from 90 to 158 meters as the company evaluated the boat’s approach, alongside stability, and breakaway characteristics.
The Long Beach vessel will mark the first commercial deployment of Artemis’ eFoiler technology in the U.S.
Jacobsen Pilot Service has operated at Long Beach since 1924 and says its pilots now handle more than 7,000 ship movements annually.
