Red Funnel Ferries and Artemis Technologies, having completed the first phase of their partnership, have signed agreements to begin the construction and delivery stage of the joint electric passenger ferry programme.
Crew training will begin in December 2025 at Artemis Technologies in Belfast. The Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry is a high-performance electric foiling vessel, which operates with zero emissions. To showcase this project on the Solent, Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies will stage a series of live demonstration events in May 2025, featuring a smaller prototype vessel.
Fran Collins, CEO Red Funnel, said: “We’re thrilled to have reached this exciting milestone in our partnership with Artemis Technologies. Moving into the delivery phase is the next step in updating our fleet to align with our long-term sustainability and decarbonisation goals while also providing a resilient lifeline service for our customers. Throughout our long history, Red Funnel has been proud to pioneer new technology, and our commitment to being brave and finding new ways to put the Isle of Wight on the map has been at the heart of our success. As we step into this next chapter, we do so with the same spirit of progress that has defined us for 164 years. We are extremely excited to embark on this journey together and are delighted to be working with Artemis Technologies at the forefront of sustainable ferry travel, paving the way for generations to come.”
Leanna Lakes, Operations Director, Red Funnel, added: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Isle of Wight and for Red Funnel, and I have no doubt that the team will carry this project over the line with the same passion and dedication that has brought us to this stage. The introduction of this cutting-edge technology presents a huge opportunity for Red Funnel to lead the way in sustainable ferry travel, setting new standards for the industry.”
Dr Iain Percy, Artemis Technologies CEO, said: “We are delighted to continue our work with Red Funnel as we move into the next stage of our partnership. The development phase is where we bring our shared vision to reality and we’re confident this vessel will mark a ground-breaking step in passenger transport. Our upcoming water taxi demonstration in May will give a glimpse into the future of ferry travel and we are eager to showcase the advancements we’ve made. Our collaboration with Red Funnel highlights a shared commitment to upholding global maritime sustainability standards and shaping a cleaner, greener future for all. Together, we are establishing a new benchmark towards a more responsible and resilient maritime industry.
In line with the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Plan, operation of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger will save up to 3,700t CO2e per year. Using electricity from renewable sources will increase annual emissions savings to about 4,150t CO2e. In addition to eliminating harmful emissions and preventing water pollution, the new, fully accessible passenger ferry will use hydrofoil propulsion technology to lift the vessel out of the water, reducing drag and wake. The result being a smoother, quieter and more comfortable experience for passengers.
Red Funnel’s newest fleet addition will be the first zero-emissions commercial service connecting the UK mainland and the Isle of Wight.
Image: Red Funnel’s Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry (source: Artemis Technologies)
