Red Funnel Ferries and Artemis Technologies are delighted to announce the successful completion of the first phase of their partnership, announced in July 2024. Completion of this milestone, marked by the signing of agreements between the companies, now means that the partnership enters the construction and delivery stage of the programme. Crew training will begin in December 2025 at Artemis Technologies state of the art facilities in Belfast.
The Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry is a ground breaking high-performance electric foiling vessel, which operates with zero emissions. Designed for a new generation of clean, sustainable ferry travel, it sets a new standard for efficiency. With a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, the partnership is accelerating the decarbonisation of the Solent and marking a step change in the maritime world.
To showcase this pioneering project on the Solent, Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies will stage a series of live demonstration events in May, featuring a smaller prototype vessel, highlighting the new ferry’s cutting-edge, electric foiling technology.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, double Olympic and multiple world champion sailor and Artemis Technologies CEO, said:
“We are delighted to continue our work with Red Funnel as we move into the next stage of our partnership. The development phase is where we bring our shared vision to reality and we’re confident this vessel will mark a groundbreaking step in passenger transport. Our upcoming water taxi demonstration in May will give a glimpse into the future of ferry travel and we are eager to showcase the advancements we’ve made.
Our collaboration with Red Funnel highlights a shared commitment to upholding global maritime sustainability standards and shaping a cleaner, greener future for all. Together, we are establishing a new benchmark towards a more responsible and resilient maritime industry.”
In line with the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Plan,operation of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger will save up to 3,700 tonnes of CO2e per year. Using electricity from renewable sources will increase annual emissions savings to approximately 4,150 tonnes of CO2e. In addition to eliminating harmful emissions and preventing water pollution, the new, fully accessible passenger ferry will use cutting-edge hydrofoil propulsion technology to lift the vessel out of the water, allowing it to fly over waves, reducing drag and wake. The result being a smoother, quieter and more comfortable experience for passengers.
Red Funnel’s newest fleet addition will make history as the first zero-emissions commercial service connecting the South Coast and the Isle of Wight, transforming the landscape for sustainable travel in the region.