Electric Orkney project announces milestone as hydrofoil ferry arrives

Artemis Technologies, Orkney Ferries and the European Marine Energy Centre have announced the arrival in Orkney of a fully electric hydrofoil vessel – the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL, named Zevi 1.

The arrival of the Belfast-built Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL is an important landmark in the Electric Orkney project, which aims to demonstrate the benefits of electric-powered hydrofoil workboats and passenger ferries to service some of the inter-isle routes in Orkney, supporting decarbonisation and island connectivity. Its deployment signals the start of essential trials to evaluate performance in the unique operating environment in Orkney. The vessel will then be put into service for a three-year trial that connects Kirkwall with Shapinsay, Egilsay, Wyre and Rousay on four daily rotations.

Over the coming months, extensive data will be collected to measure the vessel’s efficiency and operational performance. Insights gained from these trials will validate the technology and support wider adoption of maritime technology that enable zero-emissions operations throughout Orkney and beyond. Accompanying the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL in Orkney is the installation of an ultra-fast charger in Kirkwall, which will provide a full charge to the 12-m vessel in under 60 minutes.

Orkney Ferries chair of the board councillor Mellissa Thomson said, “The arrival of the Artemis Technologies hydrofoil vessel is an important moment for Orkney and our community, and one we’ve all been looking forward to. Now the exciting work begins and we can soon see the vessel on the water going through its necessary tests. I’m confident the Electric Orkney project will provide islanders with a service that is smoother, quieter and built for the future.”

Artemis Technologies chief executive Iain Percy said, “Bringing the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL to the islands supports Electric Orkney’s ongoing goal of decarbonising transport while improving the quality of service for residents and visitors.”

With a passenger capacity of 12, the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL uses the Artemis eFoiler technology to significantly reduce emissions, operating costs and noise pollution, while providing a smoother, more comfortable experience for everyone on board. This milestone in the Electric Orkney project marks the delivery of the first of two vessels, with the second, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, set to follow.

The Electric Orkney project is partially funded by the UK government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over £200M (US$270M) since 2022 to develop the technologies necessary to decarbonise the UK maritime sector and capture the economic growth opportunity of the transition. The Electric Orkney project is one of many projects demonstrating and showcasing their project and technology around the UK in 2025, involving a variety of vessel types and new infrastructure in ports and harbours.