By
Alex Smith |
Red Funnel Ferries and Artemis Technologies have completed the first phase of their partnership for the design of an electric ferry, allowing the programme to enter the construction and delivery stage.
The Artemis EF-24 passenger ferry is a foiling vessel which will operate with zero emissions using electricity. In line with the UK Department of Transport’s Clean Maritime Plan, operation of the ferry will save up to 3,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, increasing to 4,150 tonnes if electricity from renewable sources is used to charge the vessel’s batteries.
"We’re thrilled to have reached this exciting milestone in our partnership with Artemis Technologies,” said Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel. “Moving into the delivery phase is the next step in updating our fleet to align with our long-term sustainability and decarbonisation goals while also providing a resilient lifeline service for our customers. Throughout our long history, Red Funnel has been proud to pioneer new technology, and our commitment to being brave and finding new ways to put the Isle of Wight on the map has been at the heart of our success. As we step into this next chapter, we do so with the same spirit of progress that has defined us for 164 years.”
To showcase the project, Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies will stage a series of live demonstration events in May featuring a smaller prototype vessel. The demonstrations will highlight the new ferry’s electric foiling technology, which lifts the vessel out of the water to fly over the waves, reducing drag and wake. This produces a smoother, quieter and more efficient journey.
"We are delighted to continue our work with Red Funnel as we move into the next stage of our partnership,” said Dr. Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies. he development phase is where we bring our shared vision to reality and we’re confident this vessel will mark a groundbreaking step in passenger transport. Our upcoming water taxi demonstration in May will give a glimpse into the future of ferry travel and we are eager to showcase the advancements we’ve made.”