Zero-emission ferry trials launch for Electric Orkney
Artemis electric hydrofoil vessel arrives in Orkney Images courtesy of Colin Keldie – EMEC.
The fully electric Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL hydrofoil vessel, which will serve as a ferry between the islands, has arrived in Orkney and is set to start trials this summer.
The Belfast-built electric Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL, named Zevi 1, has arrived on the island and will help to demonstrate the benefits of electric-powered hydrofoil workboats and passenger ferries to service some of the inter-isle routes in Orkney as part of the Electric Orkney project.
Orkney Ferries is partnering with Artemis Technologies and The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) with a vision to help decarbonise inter-island transport through the commissioning of two Artemis 100 per cent electric foiling vessels, and associated charging infrastructure in one of Europe’s harshest maritime locations. This project is known as Electric Orkney.
The fully electric hydrofoil deployment signals the start of essential trials to evaluate performance in the unique operating environment in Orkney. The vessel will then be put into service for a three-year long trial that connects Kirkwall with Shapinsay, Egilsay, Wyre and Rousay on four daily rotations. Orkney Ferries provides ‘lifeline ferry services’ between the Orkney mainland and the outer and inner isles.
The award-winning Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL can accommodate 12 passengers and uses the revolutionary Artemis eFoiler technology to significantly reduce emissions, operating costs, and noise pollution, while providing a smoother, more comfortable experience for everyone on board.
This milestone in the Electric Orkney project marks the delivery of the first of two vessels, with the second, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, set to follow.
Artemis Technologies, a leader in high-performance maritime innovation, is working alongside Orkney Ferries and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on the project.
In November 2024, Artemis Technologies opened its order books for the Artemis EF-12 Escape, a 100 per cent electric luxury water taxi.
Electric ferry in Orkney
Over the coming months, data will be collected to measure the vessel’s efficiency and operational performance. Insights gained from these trials will validate the technology and support wider adoption of maritime technology that enable zero-emission operations throughout Orkney and beyond.
Accompanying the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL in Orkney is the installation of an ultra-fast charger in Kirkwall, which will provide a full charge to the 12-metre vessel in under 60 minutes.
Councillor Mellissa Thomson, chair of the Board of Orkney Ferries says: “The arrival of the Artemis Technologies hydrofoil vessel is an important moment for Orkney and our community, and one that we’ve all been looking forward to. Now the exciting work begins and we can soon see the vessel on the water going through its necessary tests. I’m confident the Electric Orkney project will provide islanders with a service that is smoother, quieter and built for the future.”
Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, says: “Bringing the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL to the islands supports Electric Orkney’s ongoing goal of decarbonising transport whilst improving the quality of service for residents and visitors.”
Neale Ryan, head of land & maritime transport at Innovate UK, the main deliver partner of the UK Government’s UK SHORE programme, which funds the Electric Orkney project, says: “We’re extremely pleased that another UK SHORE-funded project will now deliver new zero carbon maritime capabilities, this time in Orkney, a community where ferry transport is a key part of daily life. The Electric Orkney project is yet another example of UK SHORE projects demonstrating the best of home-grown innovation and delivering real value to regions across the UK.”
The Electric Orkney project is partially funded by the UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over £200m since 2022 to develop the technologies necessary to decarbonise the UK maritime sector and capture the economic growth opportunity of the transition. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions. The Electric Orkney project is one of many projects demonstrating and showcasing their project and technology around the UK in 2025, involving a variety of vessel types and new infrastructure in ports and harbours.
With sea trials set to begin, further updates will be provided once these are complete and the project advances.
