Orkney to get two electric ferries for three-year trial
- Published
Artemis Technologies will send two vessels to Orkney - the larger of which would be smaller than the one portrayed here
Orkney is to trial two electric ferries after being awarded more than £15m of funding.
The hydrofoil vessels - which have the hull above the water - are being supplied by Belfast-based Artemis Technologies for the three-year trial.
The £15.5m funding comes from the UK government's Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure Fund, which is aimed at decarbonising the maritime sector.
Orkney Islands Council hailed it as "tremendous" news for the community.
One will be capable of carrying 12 passengers, and will travel between Kirkwall, Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.
A larger vessel, capable of carrying 50 people and some light cargo, will be on a route between Kirkwall, Westray, Eday, Sanday and Stronsay.
They are fully electric and the charging infrastructure is set to be installed over the winter.
This is ahead of the first smaller 12m (39ft) vessel arriving next year, with the 24m (78ft) hydrofoil to be delivered in 2025.
A smaller vessel which would look similar to this could be in service next year
Council leader James Stockan said it placed Orkney right at the very centre of the latest developments in the maritime industry.
"The funding announcement comes following a Herculean effort by our officers and I heartily congratulate them on their success," he said.
"This work is about looking at how we can, in the future, decarbonise our fleet.
"Securing two vessels of this smaller size is the first stage in that process, allowing us to see how electric vessels might work, with a view to potentially upscaling in the future when further funding packages are in place."
Oldest vessel
He added: "Whilst this is tremendous news, this latest development must not be confused with our drive to secure funding for replacement ferries."
Meanwhile, Orkney Ferries has announced plans to retire its oldest vessel, the Golden Mariana, which is about 50.
It was supposed to be replaced by a Norwegian vessel, the Nordic Sea, which Orkney Islands Council bought in 2020 with financial support from the Scottish government.
But this ship proved unsuitable for the short passenger-only route between Westray and Papa Westray, which will now be served by the charter boat Northerly Explorer from early next month.
The Nordic Sea will continue to provide relief cover elsewhere on Orkney Ferries services.
Previously Scotland has played a leading role in an international study to develop a hydrogen-powered ferry that could run on the Shapinsay route in Orkney.
The Hyseas III project produced a concept design with preliminary approval from regulators but plans for an actual vessel have not so far been taken forward. The world's first hydrogen-powered ferry has meanwhile started operating in Norway.
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- Published13 June 2023
