Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies have now signed an agreement for the delivery of a brand new, all-electric Red Jet, with construction of the zero-emission ferry to begin soon.
It was last July that the cross-Solent operator announced it would introduce an electric e-foiling passenger ferry – the Artemis EF-24 Passenger – on the West Cowes-Southampton route from late 2025.
Today (Tuesday), it has been confirmed that the construction and delivery phase of the project has now begun with the vessel to be built in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. It’s said crew training will take place this December, suggesting the new Red Jet won’t be seen on the Solent until next year.
The Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry is a groundbreaking high-performance electric foiling vessel, which operates with zero emissions. Designed for a new generation of clean, sustainable ferry travel, it sets a new standard for efficiency.
The ferry will lift out of the water, allowing it to fly over waves, reducing drag and wake. The result is a smoother, quieter and more comfortable experience for passengers – just like the old Shearwater-class vessels that crossed to and from the Isle of Wight until 2000.
To showcase this pioneering project on the Solent, Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies will stage a series of live demonstration events in May, featuring a smaller prototype vessel. Further details are expected in the coming weeks.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, has said:
“We’re thrilled to have reached this exciting milestone in our partnership with Artemis Technologies. Moving into the delivery phase is the next step in updating our fleet to align with our long-term sustainability and decarbonisation goals while also providing a resilient lifeline service for our customers.
Article continues below this advertisement “Throughout our long history, Red Funnel has been proud to pioneer new technology, and our commitment to being brave and finding new ways to put the Isle of Wight on the map has been at the heart of our success. As we step into this next chapter, we do so with the same spirit of progress that has defined us for 164 years.
“We are extremely excited to embark on this journey together and are delighted to be working with Artemis Technologies at the forefront of sustainable ferry travel, paving the way for generations to come.”
Dr Iain Percy OBE, Artemis Technologies CEO and double Olympic and multiple world champion sailor, adds:
“We are delighted to continue our work with Red Funnel as we move into the next stage of our partnership. The development phase is where we bring our shared vision to reality and we’re confident this vessel will mark a groundbreaking step in passenger transport. Our upcoming water taxi demonstration in May will give a glimpse into the future of ferry travel and we are eager to showcase the advancements we’ve made.”
“Our collaboration with Red Funnel highlights a shared commitment to upholding global maritime sustainability standards and shaping a cleaner, greener future for all. Together, we are establishing a new benchmark towards a more responsible and resilient maritime industry.”
Built in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Does not exude confidence does it!!!
Don’t think we get icebergs in the solent, just yachts.
can’t wait to see what a load of shit this will turn out to be..
Good old red funnel, yet again their priorities are wrong. The red jets do not need replacing yet, the car ferries on the other hand do. Nice to see Fran stealing a living. If I was as incompetent in job as she is her I would be sack. This woman has not got a clue.
Salt water and batteries, good combination NOT. This will be a total disaster waiting to happen.
Yet more countryside dug up to get the lithium for the batteries. So much for the non polluting nonsence
The climate hoax is all a con.
Blimey, I didn’t realise you could pay for a ferry with Chocolate Buttons.
Still waiting to see the latest accounts that they have gone of our their way to hide for the last 6 months.
Should stick to the old, look at the new
Floating bridge, it’s a piece of sh*t, and the
new trains, the old trains were much more
reliable than the new ones.
There is always a Rail Bus Service operating,
makes one wonder if the railway is needed
thesedays!