Artemis Technologies, alongside Orkney Ferries and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), have announced the arrival in Orkney of the fully electric hydrofoil vessel – the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL, named ‘Zevi 1’.
The arrival of the Belfast-built Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL is seen as 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 vessel’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 12m vessel in under 60 minutes.
Dr Iain Percy, CEO 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 Artemis eFoiler technology to significantly reduce emissions, operating costs, and noise pollution, while providing a smoother, more comfortable onboard experience. The second vessel for the Electric Orkney project, an Artemis EF-24 Passenger, is set to follow. The UK Government’s UK Shore programme, though its delivery partner Innovate UK, is partially funding the Electric Orkney project
Neale Ryan, Head of Land and Maritime Transport, Innovate UK, 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: Artemis EF-12 vessel about to be craned into the water (source: Artemis Technologies)
