16/10/2026
Belfast Harbour Set To Become Testbed For Zero-Emission Transport And Energy
Belfast Harbour is set to become a live test environment for next-generation zero-emission technologies following a £15m investment confirmed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
The funding comes from UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and is the second project to be launched from the £30m allocation to the Belfast–Derry Innovation Corridor.
The Zero Emissions Transport and Energy Cluster (ZETEC), led by Artemis Technologies, will link electric vessels, high-power marine charging, autonomous transport and energy systems using secure digital twin technology.
Running these technologies together in an operational port will provide evidence on how they work as a single system and help remove barriers to commercial rollout.
Minister Archibald said: "This £15m investment is a significant boost for our growing zero-emission transport and energy sector. By bringing together expertise in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies and cyber security, ZETEC will help turn cutting-edge innovation into practical, commercially viable solutions.
"Supporting innovation and accelerating the development of new technologies is central to building a more productive and sustainable economy, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening our position in these important industries."
LIPF is a central pillar of the British government's commitment to achieve growth in every postcode. It unites local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths, create jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said: "ZETEC is a critical Local Innovation Partnerships Fund project in Northern Ireland to bring clean transport to market faster by reducing risks and supporting the adoption of electric and autonomous technologies.
"This builds on local strengths and knowledge to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth."
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies commented: "We've always focused on turning innovative technologies into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact.
"Through ZETEC, we're collaborating with leading partners to demonstrate how electric vessels, charging infrastructure and digital technologies can work together to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient transport"
Artemis Technologies leads the project, with delivery partners including Belfast Harbour, Digital Catapult/UK Digital Twin Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and the Centre for Secure Information Technologies.
The funding comes from UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and is the second project to be launched from the £30m allocation to the Belfast–Derry Innovation Corridor.
The Zero Emissions Transport and Energy Cluster (ZETEC), led by Artemis Technologies, will link electric vessels, high-power marine charging, autonomous transport and energy systems using secure digital twin technology.
Running these technologies together in an operational port will provide evidence on how they work as a single system and help remove barriers to commercial rollout.
Minister Archibald said: "This £15m investment is a significant boost for our growing zero-emission transport and energy sector. By bringing together expertise in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies and cyber security, ZETEC will help turn cutting-edge innovation into practical, commercially viable solutions.
LIPF is a central pillar of the British government's commitment to achieve growth in every postcode. It unites local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths, create jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said: "ZETEC is a critical Local Innovation Partnerships Fund project in Northern Ireland to bring clean transport to market faster by reducing risks and supporting the adoption of electric and autonomous technologies.
"This builds on local strengths and knowledge to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth."
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies commented: "We've always focused on turning innovative technologies into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact.
"Through ZETEC, we're collaborating with leading partners to demonstrate how electric vessels, charging infrastructure and digital technologies can work together to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient transport"
Artemis Technologies leads the project, with delivery partners including Belfast Harbour, Digital Catapult/UK Digital Twin Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and the Centre for Secure Information Technologies.
Latest Northern Ireland News
16 October 2026
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Jeffrey Donaldson
At Newry Crown Court, 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years for 18 non-recent child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Jeffrey Donaldson
At Newry Crown Court, 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years for 18 non-recent child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
16 October 2026
NI Parties Pay Tribute To Survivors Following Jeffrey Donaldson Sentencing
Political representatives from Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance have paid tribute to the survivors of Jeffrey Donaldson's abuse following his sentencing to 15 years in prison. Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victims and their loved ones following the sentencing.
NI Parties Pay Tribute To Survivors Following Jeffrey Donaldson Sentencing
Political representatives from Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance have paid tribute to the survivors of Jeffrey Donaldson's abuse following his sentencing to 15 years in prison. Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victims and their loved ones following the sentencing.
16 October 2026
Burrows Seeks New Security Review Of Provisional IRA And Paramilitary Groups
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to the Secretary of State calling for a renewed security assessment of the Provisional IRA and all other terrorist and paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland. He is seeking a review informed by the PSNI and MI5, subject to independent scrutiny, and with its conclusions published.
Burrows Seeks New Security Review Of Provisional IRA And Paramilitary Groups
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to the Secretary of State calling for a renewed security assessment of the Provisional IRA and all other terrorist and paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland. He is seeking a review informed by the PSNI and MI5, subject to independent scrutiny, and with its conclusions published.
16 October 2026
Archibald Hails New Support For Families Affected By Baby Loss
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has drawn attention to new rights and forms of recognition for people affected by pregnancy loss as Baby Loss Awareness Week comes to a close. The Minister attended a remembrance event hosted by the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, joining bereaved families, friends and the wider community.
Archibald Hails New Support For Families Affected By Baby Loss
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has drawn attention to new rights and forms of recognition for people affected by pregnancy loss as Baby Loss Awareness Week comes to a close. The Minister attended a remembrance event hosted by the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, joining bereaved families, friends and the wider community.
16 October 2026
Council Approves West Belfast Housing Schemes And New Lidl In Dunmurry
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved two new residential developments in west Belfast alongside permission for a new Lidl store in Dunmurry. One scheme, on lands near the Monagh By-pass, is a mixed-use project comprising two three-storey apartment blocks providing 36 social homes, plus seven business/light industrial units.
Council Approves West Belfast Housing Schemes And New Lidl In Dunmurry
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved two new residential developments in west Belfast alongside permission for a new Lidl store in Dunmurry. One scheme, on lands near the Monagh By-pass, is a mixed-use project comprising two three-storey apartment blocks providing 36 social homes, plus seven business/light industrial units.
16 October 2026
Department Publishes 2026/27 Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan
The Department of Health has published its Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026/27, setting out the work to be taken forward this financial year to strengthen services, improve outcomes for service users and ensure resources are used to best effect.
Department Publishes 2026/27 Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan
The Department of Health has published its Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026/27, setting out the work to be taken forward this financial year to strengthen services, improve outcomes for service users and ensure resources are used to best effect.
16 October 2026
Belfast Harbour Set To Become Testbed For Zero-Emission Transport And Energy
Belfast Harbour is set to become a live test environment for next-generation zero-emission technologies following a £15m investment confirmed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
Belfast Harbour Set To Become Testbed For Zero-Emission Transport And Energy
Belfast Harbour is set to become a live test environment for next-generation zero-emission technologies following a £15m investment confirmed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
16 October 2026
Police Seek Witnesses After Violent Shop Robbery On Great Victoria Street
Detectives have issued an appeal for information after a robbery at a shop in south Belfast this morning, Thursday 15 October. At approximately 6am, two men entered premises on Great Victoria Street, knocked a staff member to the floor and repeatedly stamped on them before striking them with a brush shaft.
Police Seek Witnesses After Violent Shop Robbery On Great Victoria Street
Detectives have issued an appeal for information after a robbery at a shop in south Belfast this morning, Thursday 15 October. At approximately 6am, two men entered premises on Great Victoria Street, knocked a staff member to the floor and repeatedly stamped on them before striking them with a brush shaft.
16 October 2026
BCC Unveils Solo Show For Botanic Gardens Artist-In-Residence Kerrie Hanna
Belfast City Council has announced a landmark solo exhibition by Botanic Gardens artist-in-residence, Kerrie Hanna. Titled "The Earth is the First Body", the exhibition brings her residency to a close and celebrates her significant creative contribution to the city.
BCC Unveils Solo Show For Botanic Gardens Artist-In-Residence Kerrie Hanna
Belfast City Council has announced a landmark solo exhibition by Botanic Gardens artist-in-residence, Kerrie Hanna. Titled "The Earth is the First Body", the exhibition brings her residency to a close and celebrates her significant creative contribution to the city.
16 October 2026
Households And Businesses Urged To Prepare For Analogue Phone Switch-Off
People and organisations across Northern Ireland are being asked to review their phone and broadband set-ups as the UK's old analogue telephone network nears retirement. With under 15 weeks to go until the 31 January 2027 deadline, around 35,000 customers in Northern Ireland still need to move off the legacy copper-based service.
Households And Businesses Urged To Prepare For Analogue Phone Switch-Off
People and organisations across Northern Ireland are being asked to review their phone and broadband set-ups as the UK's old analogue telephone network nears retirement. With under 15 weeks to go until the 31 January 2027 deadline, around 35,000 customers in Northern Ireland still need to move off the legacy copper-based service.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry in the southeast at first, otherwise bright or sunny spells and a few scattered showers through the day. Winds will be moderate west or northwesterlies. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Most places will be dry with clear spells this evening and overnight, although a few light showers remain possible at first. Turning rather cold with light winds. Minimum temperature 3 °C.