Design plans for a zero-emission 100 per cent electric “flying” ferry have been unveiled. The EF-24 passenger vessel uses cutting-edge hydrofoil technology to lift the craft out of the water, enabling it to sail above the waves.
Maritime design company Artemis Technologies has described it as a “game changer” for the global high-speed ferry market. Raising the hull above the water dramatically cuts drag, delivering estimated fuel cost savings of up to 85 per cent compared with conventional diesel-powered ferries.
The firm's eco-friendly eFoiler technology generates zero emissions when the ferry is sailing, while also producing minimal wake and noise. Aside from the environmental and economic benefits, the company says hydrofoiling also ensures a smooth ride regardless of water conditions, thus reducing sea sickness.
The Belfast-based tech company is a spin-off from the Artemis Racing team that competed in the America’s Cup. Its founder and CEO Dr Iain Percy is a double Team GB Olympic sailing champion and four-time America’s Cup veteran.
The ferry will come into service in 2024, running a pilot service between Belfast and Bangor, about a 12-mile journey. The 24-metre long vessels will be able to carry 150 passengers. The first ferry is to be called Zero and will have a top speed of 38 knots (about 44mph) and a battery range of 115 nautical miles (132 land miles). The cruising speed will be 25 knots cruise speed (just under 30mph).
The ferry, which was formally launched to the global market on Monday, is among several zero-emission vessels being developed by Artemis Technologies as part of a £60 million project to design and manufacture commercially-viable green transport solutions for the maritime industry.
Earlier this year, it launched what it hailed as a “world first” commercially-viable hydrofoil workboat. The Pioneer can now be seen cruising above the waves on Belfast Lough outside Artemis’s manufacturing plant in the city’s docklands.
Dr Percy believes Artemis can be a world leader in delivering transport alternatives for congested cities. “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," he said.
“Especially where new infrastructure is required like a new road or rail line, this ferry will not only be the cheapest, but also the fastest and least disruptive way to decarbonise transport networks in water-based cities”. Artemis is creating 125 jobs initially but has plans to sustain 1,000 new roles in the next 10 years.
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