Red Funnel Unveils First-of-its-Kind Fully Electric E-foiling Passenger Ferry

Red Funnel, a UK ferry operator, introduced a high-performance, zero-emission electric ferry that would operate between Southampton and West Cowes on the Isle of Wight in late 2025.

The Artemis EF-24 Passenger is a revolutionary all-electric e-foiling passenger ferry built in collaboration with maritime technology company Artemis Technologies Ltd (ATL).

The Artemis EF-24 Passenger Ferry is accessible and powered by renewable energy, significantly reducing air and noise pollution.

The ferry will lift out of the water using hydrofoil technology, offering a smoother journey to its 150 passengers.

The ferry is expected to reach a top speed of 36 knots (41 mph) and charge in 60 minutes.

According to ATL, the ship will initially save up to 3,700 tons of CO2 annually, with potential savings rising to 4,150 tonnes as renewable electricity becomes more widely available.

CEO Fran Collins says the project marks a significant milestone in Red Funnel’s efforts to decarbonize its fleet.

Artemis Technologies unveiled the design in 2022, emphasising its efficiency and zero-emissions capabilities.

The EF-24 Passenger will be among the first ferries to use this revolutionary technology, joining two other unnamed operators in this initiative.

The vessel will have three foils to increase stability and minimize wake effects, making the journey more enjoyable for passengers.

Red Funnel’s history dates back to 1861. It now transports 3.4 million passengers and 860,000 vehicles across the Solent each year.

The company has been operating high-speed passenger ferries for more than two decades and is constantly updating its fleet.

Most recently, it sold the Red Jet 4 to a South Korean operator while maintaining the Red Jet 6 and 7 in service.

Red Funnel and ATL will partner for testing and sea trials in the following months.

The ferry operator’s high-speed personnel will receive specialized training to prepare for the vessel’s addition to the fleet.

Artemis Technologies also collaborated with DNV to guarantee that the vessel meets or exceeds any necessary international safety rules during the certification process.

Fran Collins expressed excitement over this achievement, highlighting the company’s dedication to providing a safe, sustainable, and dependable lifeline service to Isle of Wight citizens.

Established in 1861, Red Funnel is one of the UK’s oldest ferry providers.

The company continues to innovate and invest in sustainable technologies, ensuring its passengers experience high-quality service while reducing its environmental impact.

Reference: Red Funnel, BBC

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