Chartwell Marine, a leader in next-generation vessel design, has unveiled its electric foiling high-speed trimaran demonstrator, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable maritime transport. The Foiling Fast Ferry TriFoiler Demonstrator, has commenced sea trials in Southampton Water, with testing scheduled to continue through March 2024.
The Foiling Fast Ferry TriFoiler Demonstrator is funded through the UK SHORE (Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions) programme. UK SHORE is a Department for Transport (DfT) initiative delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The TriFoiler was delivered on-time and within budget, with the build commencing in September 2024 at Designcraft Ltd, a Southampton-based specialist in composite vessel construction. A £1.86 million UK Government grant – awarded under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 (CMDC3) – was used to develop and build a scaled demonstrator vessel.
Created in collaboration with Solent University and Newcastle Marine Services, the vessel aims to test a simpler, cost-effective, zero-emission foiling ferry concept. Featuring a lightweight trimaran hull, a fixed main foil, and actuating foiling rudder, this design reduces energy consumption and power demand while maintaining speed. The energy-efficient layout also places the batteries in the sponsons, away from passenger areas, enhancing safety and maximising space onboard.
The TriFoiler demonstrator represents an important milestone in the journey towards decarbonising one of the most carbon-intensive sectors in the UK – transport – through innovations in maritime technology.
The month-long sea trial will provide data on the vessel’s handling, efficiency, and performance across various sea and weather conditions. Designed to evaluate the practical capabilities of electric-powered foiling ferries and the high-efficiency trimaran concept, the trials will determine the TriFoiler’s suitability for commercial operations – one that has the potential to transform short coastal, high-traffic passenger routes, such as the Solent.
“We believe that the future of pure-electric commercial vessels lies in innovative, low-drag hull forms, with or without the assistance of foils. However, first and foremost, service reliability must be the priority,” said Andy Page, Managing Director of Chartwell Marine.
“Given that electric power has a lower energy density compared to traditional fuels, minimising energy usage is crucial for achieving optimal results. Finding the balance between efficiency and reliability is key. We are very excited about the TriFoiler concept, which has been made possible through our partnership with Solent University and the support of Innovate UK funding. We look forward to sharing our findings with the industry later this year.”
Neale Ryan, Head of Land and Maritime Transport at Innovate UK, said: “The TriFoiler project embodies what CMDC was created for — demonstrating practical, scalable clean maritime technologies in real world conditions. These trials advance the industry’s understanding of foiling technology and its potential to reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency and support the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.”
As part of CMDC3, the findings from the trial will be shared at the end of April, informing the next stage of development, moving towards a full-scale, 24-metre, 40-passenger foiling ferry capable of speeds up to 28 knots. The vessel could eventually be used for commercial operations on Southampton water, and future versions sold into the wider fast ferry market, both in the UK and abroad.
