Electric vessel developer Artemis Technologies has announced it is leading a feasibility study in partnership with international ferry operator FRS Group to establish a new UK Green Shipping Corridor between Newlyn in Cornwall and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly.
The study will assess the technical and commercial viability of deploying the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, a 100% electric, high-speed hydrofoil ferry, to provide a reliable, year round passenger and cargo service on a route where no winter ferry currently operates and air travel is frequently disrupted by bad weather.
Powered by Artemis Technologies’ proprietary eFoiler technology, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger travels above the water on hydrofoils, reducing drag and energy use while ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey in rough seas. This solution operates with zero emissions and reduced wake, said to offer a step change in both performance and environmental impact compared to traditional ferries.
Dr Iain Percy, CEO Artemis Technologies, said: “This study represents an exciting step toward transforming connectivity for the Isles of Scilly, using our world-leading eFoiler technology, to deliver a service that is not only zero emission but faster, smoother and more resilient in challenging sea conditions. Our Artemis eFoiler technology can make this vital route viable. By lifting the vessel above the water, we dramatically reduce drag and increase efficiency, helping to deliver a service that can operate reliably year round.”
Alongside Artemis Technologies and FRS Group, the project brings together a consortium of partners including Connected Places Catapult and the Council of the Isles of Scilly. Together with local government, harbour authorities, and transport planners, the team will assess port side charging needs, integration with local transport networks, and regulatory pathways to make the corridor a reality.
Moritz Bruns, MD FRS International Division, FRS Group, said: “By combining operational expertise with innovative technology, this collaborative effort aims to explore how zero-emission ferry services can be established and delivered on challenging regional routes like the Isles of Scilly. We’re pleased to work alongside professional partners from the maritime and logistics industries, as well as the local community, to support the broader transition to clean maritime solutions.”
Robert Francis, Isles of Scilly Council Chairman, added: “Currently, people travelling to or from the Isles of Scilly during the winter months have very limited options. With no regular ferry running and flights often cancelled due to poor weather, the islands can become effectively cut off. This project aims to change that by investigating if a new type of high-speed zero-emission electric ferry creating a green maritime corridor which will provide a reliable, clean, and affordable year-round transport link between Newlyn in Cornwall and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly. The council is looking forward to working with Artemis Technologies to see if this new technology can bring a year-round ferry service to life not just for the Isles of Scilly, but for other island communities in the UK and around the world.”
Richard Holland, Head of Maritime, Connected Places Catapult, said: “We are delighted to be working with project partners to support the electrification of ferries and the establishment of new Green Shipping Corridors, which were highlighted by the Clydebank Declaration at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.”
Artemis Technologies’ hydrofoil technology is considered to offer high speed, safe, efficient and clean movement of people and goods out to the archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, which is arguably one of the most challenging marine routes in England. The Isles of Scilly Clean Maritime Corridor is funded by UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK Shore) programme in the Department for Transport. This project is one of several demonstrating and showcasing technology around the UK in 2025, involving a variety of vessel types and new infrastructure in ports and harbours.
Image: Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry (source: Artemis Technologies)
