Posted On: 24 October 2024
Electric Foiling Passenger Ferry Forges Ahead
Summary
Production of the 100% electric Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry is progressing rapidly, marking a new era in maritime transport. The Belfast Maritime Consortium was awarded a £33 million grant to develop ferries which produce zero emissions in operation from the UKRI’s Strength in Places Fund.
Production of the 100% electric Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry is progressing rapidly, marking a new era in maritime transport.
The Belfast Maritime Consortium was awarded a £33 million grant from the UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund to develop ferries which produce zero emissions in operation.
Led by Artemis Technologies, the 14-member syndicate has brought together a range of industry, academia and public bodies including Ards and North Down Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Belfast Met, Catalyst, Condor Ferries, Creative Composites, Invest Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Advanced Composites Engineering (NIACE), Power NI, Queen’s University Belfast, Spirit AeroSystems, and Ulster University.
The Belfast Maritime Consortium has had incredible success to date, contributing an estimated £28m (GVA) to the local economy, creating over 200 jobs and producing over 36 research outputs.
The Artemis EF-24 Passenger will be propelled by the transformative eFoiler® a patented system developed by Artemis Technologies. The system combines a high-power density electric drivetrain integrated into an autonomously controlled hydrofoil; utilising proven technologies from yacht racing, motorsport and aerospace.
Powered by this advanced technology, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger will allow cities to utilise previously untapped waterways, address congestion and reduce harmful emissions.
As part of a pilot scheme, Condor Ferries, a Consortium partner, will operate the first Artemis EF-24 Passenger on a technology demonstration route between Belfast and Bangor in Northern Ireland. When the revolutionary passenger ferry launches next year, it will be the world’s first 100% electric foiling ferry to meet the International Maritime Organization’s High Speed Craft Code.
