Electric zero-emissions ferry for Solent run

Operator Red Funnel has teamed with Artemis Technologies of Belfast to introduce a 150 passenger-capacity vessel based on the latter’s fully-electric design using the proprietary eFoiler propulsion system. The EF-24 hydrofoil-type newbuild is expected to be phased into duty towards the end of 2025 alongside two multi diesel-engined, high-speed Red Jet catamarans, delivered within the past eight years by Wight Shipyard.

The EF-24 has a top speed of around 36 knots, and promises major reductions in environmental impact relative to more conventional vessel solutions along with the commercial, competitive benefits of improved ride quality for passengers.

Artemis and Red Funnel claim that the ferry will save up to 3,700t of CO₂ emissions per annum, a figure that would increase to 4,150t if charging is accomplished through recourse to renewable electricity. Given the scheduling intensity of the Solent service into West Cowes, a further merit of the design is its provision for ultra-fast charging, full replenishment being achievable in less than 60 minutes.

The eFoiler system is based on the integration of an ultra high density, electric motor generator unit into a carbon fibre hydrofoil. By lifting the hull out of the water at high speed, the design minimises wetted surface area and drag, optimising propulsive efficacy. The arrangements also offer a more comfortable experience for passengers, reducing motions, noise and vibration.

Artemis announced a new memorandum of understanding(MoU) last month with DNV on the development, certification and operation of 100%-electric foiling vessels. The collaboration is focused on testing and certification processes to ensure that safety requirements under the relevant IMO HSC Code and DNV rules are met or exceeded. The partners hope that the resultant standards will help drive wider investment in a new generation of vessels that accord with the industry’s ‘sustainability’ goals.

Two other ferry specialists besides Red Funnel are adopting the Artemis technology in a bid to decarbonise their operations.

Red Funnel’s new investment signifies an important stage in its renewed environmental, social and corporate governance(ESG) strategy, Changing Tides, launched last year to chart the company’s course to net zero in its business of supporting the Isle of Wight community and economy.

The Southampton-headquartered firm is also understood to be planning to issue tenders later this year three new vehicular ferries to replace 30 year-old Raptor-class ro-pax vessels. A recent departure from the fleet was the 2003-built, high-speed diesel catamaran ferry Red Jet 4, sold for service in South Korea.