Artemis Technologies Unveils World’s Most Advanced 100% Electric Passenger Ferry
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Artemis Technologies.
These bullet points list the features of the EF-24 passenger ferry.
- With a top speed of 38 knots and a foiling range of 115 nautical miles at 25 knots, these vessels will transform the global passenger ferry market as it races to decarbonise
- Produces minimal wake, enabling high-speed operations in busy waterways
- Riding above the waves results in a comfortable ride, reducing effects of seasickness
- Efficiency of foils and electric drive system delivers significant OPEX savings including lower maintenance costs and up to 85% fuel savings
- Electric propulsion generates zero emissions in operation, removing air, water and noise pollution
- These 24 metre vessels designed and built by Artemis Technologies represent ground-breaking green innovations for commercial ferries, radically different from traditional ferries in operation
- First EF-24 Passenger ferry will be operated by Condor Ferries in 2024
- 100% electric, the vessels and systems developed by Artemis Technologies are designed to make the lowest possible impact on the environment
It certainly looks the part, but then it was designed using technology from racing yachts.
I have a few thoughts.
The Bangor And Belfast Trial Route
The press release says this about a trial route.
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.
This Google Map shows the location of the two cities.
Note.
- Belfast is in the South-East corner of the map.
- The Titanic Quarter and George Best Airport are marked.
- I walked between the Airport and the Titanic Quarter, when I visited five years ago.
- Bangor is in the North-East corner of the map.
I have actually travelled between Belfast and Bangor on a train, which I wrote about in A Train Trip From Belfast To Bangor.
As the Thames Clipper in London competes well for commuters and other passengers in London, I would think that they will attract passengers.
I regularly go one way to Battersea Power Station on the Northern Line and come back on the Clipper to London Bridge, as it puts a bit of fresh air in my lungs.
Will the good burgers of Belfast do the same?
As the service will start at the Titanic Quarter, it could be a tourist attraction.
Other Routes
If you look at the Wikipedia entry for hydrofoil, there are a lot of route possibilities.
I have a few suggestions.
Thames Clippers
The Thames Clipper fleet is all diesel and typical boats have a 28 knot cruising speed and carry between 150-172 passengers.
So it would appear that EF-24 Ferries would have a similar performance.
Thames Clippers have promoted the possibility of a service from London to Gravesend, which is under thirty miles by road.
An EF-24 Ferry might be ideal for the longer route.
High-Speed Routes Between Great Britain And Ireland
In High-Speed Low-Carbon Transport Between Great Britain And Ireland, I laid out ideas to travel between the two islands.
I showed that by using high speed trains to Holyhead and then a high speed ferry, times of under five hours could be achieved to both Belfast and Dublin.
If a High Speed Two Classic-Compatible Train were to be used timings from Euston to Holyhead could be.
- Euston and Crewe – 56 minutes – High Speed 2 prediction
- Crewe and Holyhead – 1 hour 58 minutes – Current time.
The second leg would be faster, if the route were to be electrified.
Mersey Ferries
Like Merseyrail’s elderly Class 508 trains, the Mersey Ferries are long in the tooth and need replacing.
In my view, Artemis Technologies could build some very suitable electric ferries.
New routes might also be developed to appeal to tourists.
I am sure there are many more routes in the UK and around Europe and the wider world.
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The Anonymous Widower 
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