The proposed passenger vessel incorporates cutting edge hydrofoil technology. This technology is used to elevate the craft out of the water, enabling it to sail above the waves. This highly advanced electric ‘flying’ ferry is scheduled to link Belfast and Bangor as early as 2024.
The ‘flying ferry’
The ferry will be 24 metres long and will carry up to 150 passengers. The model’s design is proposed to help reduce the effects of seasickness. In addition, the design aims to reduce the strength of the waves that can damage the shoreline.
The purpose behind raising the ferry above the water is to cut the drag. Therefore, delivering an estimated fuel cost savings of up to 85% compared to conventional diesel-powered ferries, the designers say.
The ferry will have a top speed of 38 knots alongside a battery range of 115 nautical miles at a 25-knots cruise speed. Despite its speed, the design of the unique high-speed collision avoidance system will enable vessels to avoid hitting marine animals. The makers noted they “will follow an altered path away from sea life, wildlife and any other in water debris”.
Combating congestion and pollution
The creators of the electric ferry, Artemis Technology, is a spin off from the Artemis Racing team who completed in the America’s Cup. Founder, CEO and also Olympic sailing champion, DR Iain Percy, notes “many water-based cities around the world are grappling with the challenge of growing populations, congestion, and pollution”. Therefore, Percy imagines Artemis can become a world leader in creating transport alternatives for congested cities.
Globally, cities are actively seeking a means to reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, they are pursuing sustainable transport alternatives that strike a balance between reducing emissions but also allowing people to continue to move around. In response to this, Percy believes “the EF-24 Passenger can provide an immediate green transport solution that competes economically with road and rail in places like San Francisco, New York, Venice, Istanbul, Dubai, and Singapore.”
Achieving reduced carbon emissions is often costly due to new infrastructure being required to support road or rail lines. This fully electric ‘flying’ ferry offers the cheapest solution. This solution also has the ability to reduce air pollution, congestion, and noise in water-based cities.
The ferry, which launched this week, is just one among the range of zero-emission vessels being developed by the company.
Goudsmit UK
Artemis Technology combined their extensive experience from the worlds of high-performance sailing, motorsports, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing to design and develop a ground-breaking electric propulsion system for the maritime industry.
With over 21 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance magnets, magnetic assemblies, and precision parts, Goudsmit UK supply critical parts to some of the leading names in the most demanding industries.
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Contact us on +44 (0) 2890 271 001 or also at info@goudsmit.co.uk
