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 groundbreaking 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. Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: “We’re thrilled to have reached this exciting milestone in our partnership with Artemis Technologies. Moving into the delivery phase is the next step in updating our fleet to align with our long-term sustainability and decarbonisation goals while also providing a resilient lifeline service for our customers.”
“Throughout our long history, Red Funnel has been proud to pioneer new technology, and our commitment to being brave and finding new ways to put the Isle of Wight on the map has been at the heart of our success. As we step into this next chapter, we do so with the same spirit of progress that has defined us for 164 years. We are extremely excited to embark on this journey together and are delighted to be working with Artemis Technologies at the forefront of sustainable ferry travel, paving the way for generations to come.”
Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, echoed her enthusiasm for the future of the project:This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Isle of Wight and for Red Funnel, and I have no doubt that the team will carry this project over the line with the same passion and dedication that has brought us to this stage. The introduction of this cutting-edge technology presents a huge opportunity for Red Funnel to lead the way in sustainable ferry travel, setting new standards for the industry. Although I am moving to a new role, I feel immensely privileged to have worked alongside such talented teams at Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies. It has been an honour to play a role in this pioneering project, and I look forward to following Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies as they bring this revolutionary vessel into service.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, double Olympic and multiple world champion sailor and Artemis Technologies CEO, added: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 Electric Ferry 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.
