Global clean maritime company, Artemis Technologies, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and Connected Places Catapult recently completed a feasibility study exploring the potential to establish a new Green Shipping Corridor between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The feasibility study assessed how Artemis Technologies' electric hydrofoil technology, the Artemis eFoiler® system, could support a future passenger service operated by a ferry operator on the route.

Building on those findings, demonstrations in the region have brought the feasibility study to life, featuring the technology behind the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, a 100% electric, high-speed hydrofoil ferry designed to provide a reliable, year-round passenger connection.

Powered by Artemis Technologies' proprietary eFoiler® technology, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger flies above the water on hydrofoils, dramatically reducing drag and energy consumption while providing a smoother and more comfortable journey in challenging sea conditions. The study concluded that the vessel could provide a commercially viable passenger service on the route, with journey times of just over an hour.

Councillor Robert Francis, Lead Member for Economy, Tourism and Transport at the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said:

Connectivity is fundamental to life on the Isles of Scilly, supporting residents, businesses, visitors and access to essential services throughout the year.

The feasibility study identified a viable pathway towards a future passenger connection on the route, and these demonstrations have offered an opportunity to experience that potential first-hand.

The demonstrations also provided an opportunity to gather additional operational insights and assess the technology in the environment where it could one day operate, with Artemis Technologies’ CEO, Dr Iain Percy OBE, stating:

Artemis eFoiler® technology combines high-speed, zero-emission operation with exceptional passenger comfort and has already shown the performance and resilience needed for challenging island and coastal routes. The feasibility study highlighted the potential for smaller vessels, such as the 150-passenger Artemis EF-24 Passenger, to serve the route effectively, offering greater operational flexibility in challenging weather conditions than is often possible with larger vessels.

Having proven its capability in rough seas, the technology has covered more than 40 nautical miles at speeds of up to 28 knots in wave heights exceeding three metres. This reinforces its suitability for routes such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and its potential to deliver a faster, cleaner and more resilient transport option for local communities and visitors.

Collaboration between Artemis Technologies, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and Connected Places Catapult has been central to assessing both the technical and commercial opportunity for future passenger services on the route with Mark Wray, Head of Maritime, Technical at Connected Places Catapult, stating:

The route offers a compelling opportunity to support wider ambitions around maritime decarbonisation and Green Shipping Corridors. These demonstrations build on the feasibility study by helping people experience the technology first-hand and better understand the role it could play in supporting cleaner, more connected communities.

The demonstrations have helped bring the findings of the feasibility study to life, providing valuable insight into how advanced maritime technologies could support vital connectivity in the region.