Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport, College of the Marshall Islands

Zero-Emission Ferries Under Development in US$75m Partnership

 

In Northern Ireland, zero emission ferries capable of carrying up to 350 passengers by 13 partner syndicate of established and young companies, academic institutions and local public bodies, led by Artemis Technologies. This partnership has received a UK Government innovation grant of £33 million ($US40m), and with further investment from consortium partners, the total project funding will reach close to £60m (US$75m) over the next four years.

An electric hydrofoil propulsion system may reduce drag by up to 90%, meaning less energy is needed to operate, and zero emission operations become viable. This technology is being joined by a 45-metre autonomous sailing vessel (ASV), capable of operating without fossil fuels, at a top speed of 50 knots, claiming to cruise at up to 30 knots without wind due to energy recovery systems developed in Formula 1 racing.

 

The members of the syndicate/consortium for the zero emission ferries are: Belfast Harbour, Bombardier Belfast, Northern Ireland Advanced Composites Engineering (NIACE), Creative Composites, Energia, Catalyst, Invest Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Belfast Met, Queen’s University, Belfast, Ards and North Down Borough Council, and Belfast City Council.

 

https://plugboats.com/60m-pound-75m-dollar-fund-new-zero-emission-ferries/