Electric foiling vessel developers Artemis Technologies has entered a partnership with Delta Marine, Seattle, to use the patented eFoiler design for building new ferry and water taxi vessels expressly for Washington State’s Puget Sound.
“This partnership will significantly change the regional maritime landscape, providing an eco-friendly solution that addresses both the environmental and logistical challenges facing the area’s waterborne transit systems,” Artemis Technologies said Feb. 17 in announcing a memorandum of agreement between the two companies.
“Building on its award-winning reputation as an innovator in clean maritime technology, Artemis Technologies will work alongside Delta Marine to meet the growing demand for zero-emission ferries, including smaller vessels ideal for high-speed, short-haul routes.”
Washington and the Pacific Northwest have more ferries than any other U.S. region and there is intense public and political support on the West Coast for cleaner, sustainable maritime transportation solutions. Washington State Ferries, the nation’s largest operator, is transitioning its fleet to hybrid-electric propulsion. The San Francisco Bay Ferry is in early stages of developing a new fleet of fully electric passenger ferries.
Based in the United Kingdom with a U.S. division in Brooklyn, N.Y., Artemis says it has invested over $100 million in research and development since its founding in 2017. The company reached a milestone in 2022 when it deployed the 11.5 meters (37.7’) Pioneer of Belfast billed as the world’s first commercial workboat electric foiling vessel.
Artemis now is offering its electric foiling ferry design, the Artemis EF-24 passenger ferry. The 78.7’x36’ vessel carries up to 150 passengers at a cruise of 32 knots with 1200% electric power and range of 115 nautical miles, according to a company spec sheet.
The 39’ Artemis EF-12 Escape is advertised as a water taxi “designed for commuters and luxury travel” and debuted at the America’s Cup races in Barcelona.
“Both these models offer a scalable solution for modern, high-speed ferry services, including routes operated by King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Transit” on Puget Sound, according to Artemis. “These vessels, optimized for efficiency and lower environmental impact, reflect the ‘mosquito fleet’ style of smaller, more agile ferries that have recently been advocated as a practical solution to Puget Sound’s ferry congestion.”
“Our collaboration with Delta Marine enables us to bring our market-leading eFoiler technology to one of the busiest ferry hubs in the U.S. Washington State is ready for this shift to sustainable maritime transit, and we’re proud to offer real-world solutions that address the region’s pressing transportation challenges and environmental goals,” said David Tyler, co-founder of Artemis Technologies.
Delta Marine’s vice president Michelle Jones said “partnering with Artemis Technologies allows us to bring world-leading electrification and foiling expertise to our region. By building these ferries locally, we are supporting Washington’s clean energy objectives and fostering innovation in the U.S. maritime sector.”
“Delta was the perfect partner for several reasons. Both companies share a passion for leveraging next-gen technology to create the most efficient, forward-thinking naval architecture, design, and construction. Headquartered in Seattle for over 50 years, this Pacific Northwest shipbuilder has been a world leader in composite construction utilizing unconventional solutions, lightweight materials, and creative forms that are progressive in both design and utility.”
“Sustainability is a top priority, particularly in our corner of the world. As someone who has literally grown-up sailing on Washington State ferries, we couldn't be more excited to partner with Artemis to craft a model of efficient water transportation that pays tribute to the extraordinary nature around us. To employ our knowledge base as leaders in advanced lightweight composite construction for the good of the public and the natural world is a chance of a lifetime.”
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