Artemis Technologies, a global innovator in high-performance maritime solutions, in collaboration with Orkney Ferries and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), has launched the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL – a fully electric hydrofoil vessel named Zevi 1 – in Orkney. This landmark initiative marks a transformative step toward decarbonising maritime transport.
The arrival of the Belfast-built Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL is an important landmark in the Electric Orkney project, which aims to demonstrate the benefits of electric-powered hydrofoil workboats and passenger ferries to service some of the inter-isle routes in Orkney, supporting decarbonisation and island connectivity. Its deployment signals the start of essential trials to evaluate performance in the unique operating environment in Orkney. The vessel will then be put into service for a three-year long trial that connects Kirkwall with Shapinsay, Egilsay, Wyre and Rousay on four daily rotations.
Over the coming months, extensive data will be collected to measure the electric hydrofoil’s efficiency and operational performance. Insights gained from these trials will validate the technology and support wider adoption of maritime technology that enable zero-emission operations throughout Orkney and beyond. 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.
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.”
With a passenger capacity of 12, the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL uses the revolutionary Artemis eFoiler® technology to significantly reduce emissions, operating costs, and noise pollution, while providing a smoother, more comfortable experience for everyone on board. This milestone in the Electric Orkney project marks the delivery of the first of two vessels, with the second, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, set to follow.
Neale Ryan, Head of Land & Maritime Transport at Innovate UK, the main delivery 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”
The Electric Orkney project is part of the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure competition (ZEVI), which was announced in February 2023, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. As part of ZEVI, the Department for Transport. allocated over £80m to 10 flagship projects supported by 52 organisations from across the UK to deliver real world demonstration R&D projects in clean maritime solutions. Projects will take place in multiple locations from the Orkney Isles to the south west of England.
With sea trials set to begin, further updates will be provided once these are complete and the project advances.
