Artemis Technologies is the project lead, responsible for:
- Design, build and deployment of the two 100% electric foiling vessels
- Providing and installing three shore-based chargers to Orkney
- Training Orkney Ferries staff on the water and using Artemis Technologies’ state-of-the-art simulator
Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Artemis Technologies is at the forefront of the maritime industry’s push towards decarbonisation. Their revolutionary Artemis eFoiler® electric propulsion system, featuring a high-voltage battery energy storage system and ultra-high power density electric drivetrain, sets a new standard in maritime transport.
Artemis Technologies offers a range of 100% electric foiling vessels designed for commercial use including the Artemis EF-12 Pilot boat, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, a 150-passenger ferry, and a luxury water taxi, the Artemis EF-12 Escape.
Orkney Ferries role in the project is to:
- Operate the 100% electric Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL around the inner isles route
- Operate the 100% electric Artemis EF-24 Passenger modified for 58 pax + cargo (subject to loading), and stern docking around the outer isles route
- Operate shore-based charging infrastructure in Kirkwall and Eday
- Be trained on the Artemis Technologies’ full-motion simulator
- Assist with data collection and analysis
- Meet all regulatory requirements for safe operations
Orkney Ferries Ltd (an Arm's Length External Organisation of Orkney Islands Council) operates a lifeline ferry service to the outer north isles, inner north isles and the south isles of Orkney.
In 1987, Orkney Islands Council assumed responsibility for the inter islands’ ferry service and in 1995 Orkney Islands Shipping Company changed its name to Orkney Ferries Ltd.
Since 1987 the fleet has been expanded and there are now 10 vessels in the fleet serving 13 island destinations, carrying over 114,000 vehicles and undertaking around 360,000 passenger journeys annually. The addition of the EF-12 will be the 11th vessel within the fleet.
Orkney Ferries operates 74 different point-to-point connections across its network, and there are more than 20,000 sailings each year.
Within Electric Orkney, EMEC is involved in the procurement and installation of the shore-based charging infrastructure as well as project management.
EMEC is a not-for-profit innovation catalyst pioneering the transition to a clean energy future.
Established in Orkney in 2003, EMEC is the world’s leading centre for demonstrating wave and tidal energy converters in the sea, with more marine energy devices having been tested in Orkney, Scotland, than at any other single site.
EMEC is a plug-and-play facility supporting the development of offshore energy, green hydrogen and e-fuels, clean transport and island decarbonisation. EMEC helps technology developers to innovate and reach the market, reducing the time, cost and risk of R&D.
