TWO electric "flying" ferries are set to serve passengers in Orkney as part of a three-year trial in 2025.
The hydrofoil vessels will launch in the new year after a successful funding bid by Belfast-based Artemis Technologies. to the the UK Government’s Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure Fund for £15.5 million. The fund is aimed at decarbonising the maritime sector.
The ferries are described as floating as their hulls sit above water.
One of the ferries can carry 12 passengers and the other can carry 50 as well as some cargo.
They will travel between Kirkwall (below), Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.
The charging infrastructure is set to be installed over the winter, and passengers will embark on journey come April.
Transportation service manager Laura Cromarty, said: “Two electric ferries will be trialled in Orkney following a funding bid submitted to the UK Government’s Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) Fund, which aims to boost the country’s decarbonisation efforts.
“The bid, submitted by Orkney Ferries Limited, Artemis Technologies and EMEC, will trial electric vessels using hydrofoil technology, which lifts the hull out of the water to navigate above the waves.
“The trial will be a test of zero emission technology in some of the harshest of environments, with the aim to show proof of concept. The benefit to the communities involved is improved connectivity to the islands, extending the length of operating day where possible.
“The first vessel, for up to 12 passengers, is due to be delivered to Orkney in January 2025. During January to March, the vessel will be tested by local crew in Orkney waters to help establish what can be achieved from a timetable perspective.
“If it proves suitable for the conditions, it is anticipated the vessel will come into service in April 2025 operating between Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre and Shapinsay to Kirkwall.
“As this is a trial service, it should be noted that there will be no impact to the existing scheduled service during the project period.
“The ‘Electric Orkney’ project will provide additional services to the community over and above the existing backbone operation by Orkney Ferries Limited. Continuation of the service beyond the trial period will be subject to demand, proof of concept and budget.”
Orkney Council is running a consultation until the end of January to allow residents and regular travellers to Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre and Shapinsay to shape a timetable that will run in addition to the existing scheduled ferry service already in operation.
Cromarty added: “At this stage, it would be useful to understand what passengers would like to see from the trial service if the vessel proves suitable for the conditions.
“For example, early morning connectivity to meet external transport links or evening services for social and leisure purposes and on what days of the week people are most likely to travel.
“Following consideration of the survey responses and vessel testing, a draft timetable will be circulated for further consideration by the communities via the Community Councils. Updates of the Electric Orkney project will be provided to communities via their elected Transport Representatives.”
