eFoiler-CTV Detailed Design

Led by Artemis Technologies and building on the work of the emerging Belfast Maritime Consortium cluster as a global centre of excellence for zero-emission maritime technology, this collaborative R&D project brings together partners from across the whole supply chain to accelerate the detailed design and engineering of a 24m electric foiling Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), the 'eFoiler-CTV', building towards deployment and real-world demonstration of the eFoiler-CTV by March 2025\.

Today, there are over 370 high-speed CTVs operating in UK and European waters. On average, CTVs are operational for 250 days a year, burning 1,500 litres of diesel each day, each emitting an incredible 1,278 tonnes CO2e each year. With an estimated 1,687 CTVs required to be built by 2050, to service European O&M market growth, emissions will increase significantly in a 'business as usual' scenario. Therefore, it is imperative that a disruptive solution to decarbonise CTV operations is brought to market quickly.

The main challenge with the decarbonisation of high-speed vessels is the lack of viable range. Water is a very dense fluid (830 times denser than air), so it requires a lot of energy to propel a boat through the water. The average range required for daily CTV operations is far greater than technically possible with standard vessels converted to battery or fuel cell operation. Over the last three years, Artemis Technologies has been developing a disruptive electric propulsion system, the 'Artemis-eFoiler'.

The innovation integrates a high-power density electric drivetrain into an autonomously controlled hydrofoil, combining technologies from the automotive, yacht racing, and aerospace sectors. As an Artemis-eFoiler propelled vessel accelerates, the hydrofoils lift the hull up and out of the water, greatly reducing the wetted area and therefore drag. Providing the double benefit of both increased speed and fuel efficiency.

In CMDC Round 1 eFoiler-CTV Feasibility study, the project partners created a detailed business plan showing cost for adoption of the eFoiler-CTV technology compared to a Diesel FastCat CTV and an electric non-foiling alternative. It was concluded that an eFoiler-CTV is not only technically feasible, but offers significant environmental benefits, as well as enhanced performance, and an increase in the typical CTV operating window. The eFoiler-CTV offers a return on investment for charter that is predominantly superior to fossil fuel alternatives and delivers superior range and performance to alternative zero emission solutions due to the increased drivetrain efficiency, and hydrodynamic benefits of foiling.