CONDOR is to operate a new electric ferry which can ‘fly above the water’ during a trial in Northern Ireland.
Belfast-based Artemis Technologies has this week unveiled the design of its new EF-24 passenger vessel, which will carry up to 150 passengers, over a range of 100 nautical miles and with a top speed of 38 knots.
The new ship is powered by Artemis eFoiler® system, derived from the America’s Cup race series, which will enable it to fly above the water, producing minimal wake at high-speed and using up to 90 per cent less energy than some conventional ferries.
Condor is a partner in the Belfast Maritime Consortium which is spearheading the project and the ferry company will operate a passenger service between Belfast and Bangor in two years’ time.
It has previously said it was keen to explore the option of operating electric ferries across the Channel.
John Napton, Condor’s chief executive, said: ‘As an experienced, commercial operator, we are really pleased to see the progress made by the Artemis team in Belfast in developing this concept into an operational mode of transport.
‘Condor and our shareholder CTI are looking to the future and this includes exploring ways of reducing our carbon emissions and finding more sustainable travel solutions. Vessels, such as the EF-24, perfectly provide the clean alternative to traditional ferries.’
The pilot scheme will see Condor run a 30-minute commuter passenger route between Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and Bangor Marina in 2024.
