Maritime innovation firm Artemis Technologies alongside Orkney Ferries and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) have announced the arrival in Orkney of a fully electric hydrofoil vessel.
Called the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL, named ‘Zevi 1’, the Belfast-built vessel is part of the Electric Orkney project, which aims to demonstrate the benefits of electric-powered hydrofoil workboats and passenger ferries, supporting decarbonisation and island connectivity.
Its deployment signals the start of trials to evaluate performance, with the vessel then being put into service for a three-year long trial on four daily rotations across the islands.
Over the coming months, data will be collected to measure the vessel’s efficiency and operational performance. Insights gained will validate the technology and support wider adoption of maritime technology that enable zero-emission operations throughout Orkney and beyond, it said.
Accompanying the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL in Orkney is the installation of an ultra-fast charger in Kirkwall, which will provide a full charge to the 12 metre vessel in under 60 minutes.
The vessel also uses theArtemis eFoiler technology to significantly reduce emissions, operating costs, and noise pollution, while providing a smoother, more comfortable experience for everyone on board.
The Electric Orkney project is partially funded by the UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport.
Councillor Mellissa Thomson, Chair of the Board of Orkney Ferries said:
“The arrival of the Artemis Technologies hydrofoil vessel is an important moment for Orkney and our community, and one that we’ve all been looking forward to. Now the exciting work begins and we can soon see the vessel on the water going through its necessary tests.
“I’m confident the Electric Orkney project will provide islanders with a service that is smoother, quieter and built for the future.”
Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said:
“Bringing the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL to the islands supports Electric Orkney’s ongoing goal of decarbonising transport whilst improving the quality of service for residents and visitors.”
Neale Ryan, Head of Land & Maritime Transport at Innovate UK, the main deliver partner of the UK Government’s UK SHORE programme, which funds the Electric Orkney project, said:
“We’re extremely pleased that another UK SHORE-funded project will now deliver new zero carbon maritime capabilities, this time in Orkney, a community where ferry transport is a key part of daily life.
“The Electric Orkney project is yet another example of UK SHORE projects demonstrating the best of home-grown innovation and delivering real value to regions across the UK.”
Image courtesy of Artemis Technologies
