Maritime design and technology company Artemis Technologies has released details of its new 100% electric EF-24 Passenger ferry.
Aimed at the international high-speed ferry market, the zero-emission vessel is one of several being developed by the company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 24m vessel is powered by the Artemis eFoiler electric propulsion system and is capable of a top speed of 38kts when flying above the water on hydrofoils. A range of 115 nautical miles is possible at a cruise speed of 25kts.
“Our high-speed passenger ferry provides a cost-effective public transport solution that helps address air pollution, congestion and noise,” said Dr Iain Percy OBE, founder, Artemis Technologies. “By encouraging multimodal transport in urban areas, we will enable cities around the world to utilize and benefit from the untapped potential of their waterways.
“With hydrofoils that lift the boats out of the water, we are dramatically reducing drag. This is coupled with a submerged electric drivetrain that is exceptionally efficient, as proven through rigorous testing with our 12m eFoiler workboat, validating our digital simulations and performance prediction.”
To ensure a high level of safety for up to 150 passengers, a high-speed collision avoidance system was developed with ECIT, part of Queen’s University Belfast. The system works by diverting the ferry away from wildlife, debris and other objects which may be in the water.
Through a partnership with Condor Ferries, the company will operate the first EF-24 Passenger ferry as part of a pilot scheme beginning in 2024 between Belfast and Bangor in Northern Ireland.
“The zero-emission ferry that will be seen departing Belfast in 2024, aptly named ‘Zero’, will be the first we build at our manufacturing hub in the city, but it is only the start,” commented Percy. “Many water-based cities around the world are grappling with the challenge of growing populations, congestion and pollution.”
“As a leading operator of passenger ferries, we continuously seek to explore technology that will allow us to sail more sustainably, and we know our customers are of the same mindset,” commented John Napton, CEO, Condor Ferries.
“Green vessels like the EF-24 Passenger ferry perfectly provide that clean alternative to traditional diesel ferries. We are thrilled to partner with Artemis Technologies and the Belfast Maritime Consortium to develop these vessels from concept to reality over the coming months and look forward to being the first operator to set sail in 2024 with the world’s most advanced zero-emission foiling fast ferry.”
