Artemis Technologies has announced the launch of a feasibility study in partnership with 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 seek to assess both the technical and commercial feasibility of the deployment of an Artemis EF-24 Passenger hydrofoil ferry to provide year-round passenger and cargo service on a route which currently has no winter ferry in operation.
The route between Newlyn in Cornwall and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly will assess the technical and commercial viability of deploying the Artemis EF‑24 Passenger to provide a year-round serviceAir travel along the route is also frequently disrupted by poor weather.
The company is hoping that its proprietary eFoiler technology, which allows the EF-24 Passenger to operate above the water on hydrofoils, will allow for continued service despite issues with weather, as well as offer a more sustainable alternative.
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of 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.
The project will bring together a number of consortium partners including Connected Places Catapult and the Council of the Isles of Scilly alongside Artemis Technology and FRS Group.
The team will assess port-side charging needs, integration with local transport networks and existing regulatory pathways in order to assess the project’s viability.
Moritz Bruns, Managing Director of FRS International Division GmbH, 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.
Funding for the Isles of Scilly Clean Maritime Corridor comes from the UK Government through the Department of Transport’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, which has allocated over 230 million GBP since its introduction in 2022 toward the development of technologies aiming to decarbonise the UK maritime sector.
