A maritime design and applied technologies company Artemis Technologies has unveiled the design of its new 100% electric EF-24 Passenger vessel, targeting the global high-speed ferry market. This revolutionary ferry is designed to provide commercially viable green transport solutions for operators, cities, and governments across the world.
The EF-24 passenger ferry offers a range of 115 nautical miles (213 km) at a 25 knots (46 km/h) cruise speed. It has a top speed of 38 knots (70 km/h). The zero-emission vessel produces incredible fuel savings of up to 85% compared to conventional high-speed diesel ferries.
The 24-meter vessel will be powered by the patented Artemis eFoiler electric propulsion system. It is claimed to fly above the water, providing a comfortable ride for up to 150 passengers on board, mitigating the effects of seasickness and producing a minimal wake at high-speed, significantly reducing the impact on shorelines.
The boats will be fully accessible and incredibly spacious, with a range of facilities on board, including bike racks, cabin bags and overhead storage, baby changing facilities, and charging points. It will also feature a unique high-speed collision avoidance system that will ensure the safety of operations in port and close to shore by safely diverting the ferry on an altered path away from sea life, wildlife, debris, and other in-water objects that might otherwise be obscured from view.
“We have combined our experience from the worlds of high-performance sailing, motorsports, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing to design and develop an electric propulsion system that is quite simply a game changer for the maritime industry,” said Dr. Iain Percy OBE, founder, and CEO of Artemis Technologies. “Our high-speed passenger ferry provides a cost-effective public transport solution that helps address air pollution, congestion, and noise.
“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 12-meter eFoiler workboat, validating our digital simulations and performance prediction.”
Artemis Technologies has partnered with Condor Ferries to operate a pilot scheme using the first EF-24 Passenger ferry. This will come into service in 2024, running between Belfast and Bangor in Northern Ireland.
Earlier this year, on its continued mission towards the decarbonization of maritime, Artemis Technologies launched the world’s largest 100% electric foiling vessel, ‘Pioneer of Belfast.’ It also unveiled an electric workboat range, including a 12-meter multi-purpose workboat and a 12-meter crew transfer vessel, with a 24-meter crew transfer vessel also currently under development.
