All-electric Artemis ferry to enter service in Belfast by 2024

Artemis Technologies has unveiled the design of its new 100 per cent electric EF-24 passenger vessel, targeting the global high-speed ferry market.

The ‘flying’ ferry is among several zero-emission vessels being developed by Artemis Technologies in Belfast, Northern Ireland, designed to provide commercially viable green transport solutions for operators, cities and governments across the world.

With a top speed of 38 knots, the EF-24 passenger ferry is said to offer a range of 115 nautical miles at a 25 knots cruise speed and produces fuel savings of up to 85 per cent, compared to conventional high-speed diesel ferries. The ferry has a capacity of 150 passengers on board.

Powered by the Artemis eFoiler electric propulsion system, the 24m vessels will fly above the water using hydrofoils, mitigating the effects of seasickness and producing a minimal wake at high speed, reducing the impact on shorelines.

Artemis Technologies is a spin-off from the Artemis Racing team that competed in the America’s Cup, of which its founder, two-time Olympic champion Dr Iain Percy OBE, is a four-time veteran.

“We have combined our experience from the worlds of high-performance sailing, motorsports, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing to design and develop an electric propulsion system that is quite simply a game changer for the maritime industry,” says Percy.

“Our high-speed passenger ferry provides a cost-effective public transport solution that helps address air pollution, congestion, and noise. By encouraging multimodal transport in urban areas, we will enable cities around the world to utilise and benefit from the untapped potential of their waterways.”

The ferries will be fully accessible and offer facilities such as bike racks, cabin bags and overhead storage, baby changing facilities, and charging points.

The vessels will also feature a high-speed collision-avoidance system developed with ECIT, part of Queen’s University Belfast. The system will ensure the safety of operations in port and close to shore by safely diverting the ferry on an altered path away from sea life, wildlife, debris and other in-water objects that might otherwise be obscured from view.

Artemis Technologies has partnered with Condor Ferries to operate a pilot scheme using the first EF-24 Passenger ferry. This will come into service in 2024, running between Belfast and Bangor in Northern Ireland.

“The zero-emission ferry that will be seen departing Belfast in 2024, aptly named ‘Zero’, will be the first we build at our manufacturing hub in the city, but it is only the start,” says Percy.

“Many water-based cities around the world are grappling with the challenge of growing populations, congestion, and pollution. The EF-24 Passenger can provide an immediate green transport solution that competes economically with road and rail in places like San Francisco, New York, Venice, Istanbul, Dubai, and Singapore – anywhere around the globe that is seeking sustainable transport alternatives that balance the requirement for people to continue to move around with the need to reduce carbon emissions.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, added: “My congratulations to Artemis Technologies and Belfast Maritime Consortium on unveiling the plans for this exciting zero emissions vessel. The development of such world-leading technology will ensure that Belfast remains at the forefront of maritime innovation, while providing a boost to the local green economy.”

Earlier this year, Artemis Technologies launched the world’s largest 100 per cent-electric foiling vessel, ‘Pioneer of Belfast’ and unveiled an electric workboat range including a 12m multi-purpose workboat and a 12m crew transfer vessel with a 24m crew transfer vessel also currently under development.