CROSS-Solent ferry company Red Funnel is to bring into service the first zero-emissions, high-speed passenger ferry to serve the Isle of Wight next year.

Red Funnel has today (Tuesday, July 2) announced a "new and exciting partnership" with leading maritime technology company, Artemis Technologies (ATL).

The partnership will introduce a high-performance, emission-free ferry for its customers in late 2025.

Red Funnel’s Southampton to West Cowes route, currently served by Red Jets 6 and 7, will be enhanced with the addition of the electric 'e-foiling' passenger ferry, called the Artemis EF-24 Passenger.

Operation of the new 'green' ferry will save up to 3,700 tonnes of CO2 emission per year.

Using electricity from renewable sources, annual emissions savings will rise to about 4,150 tonnes of CO2e.

In addition to reducing air pollution and noise, the fully accessible passenger ferry will use cutting-edge hydrofoil propulsion technology to 'fly' over waves — lifting the vessel out of the water, to reduce drag and provide "a smoother, quieter and more comfortable experience for passengers", the ferry company states. 

Red Funnel says the Artemis EF-24 is "a groundbreaking next step in the decarbonisation of the industry" and that it is "thrilled to join two other ferry operators adopting the technology to decarbonise their operations". 

Red Funnel's CEO, Fran Collins, said: “We have been working with ATL for several months to develop this partnership and are delighted to reach this exciting milestone as part of our journey to decarbonise our fleet.

"Delivering first-class service to our customers is our priority and the Artemis EF-24 passenger ferry will provide speed, comfort and reliability as well as significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

“This is an important step towards transitioning to a sustainable and environmentally friendly fleet, that will continue to provide a lifeline service for the Isle of Wight community — both now and for future generations.

"We will be working closely with ATL over the coming months for testing and sea trials, including bespoke training of our 'high-speed' team, so we’re ready to add Artemis EF-24 to our fleet.

"It is very much an exciting phase of our journey.”

Dr Iain Percy, a double Olympic and multiple world champion sailor and ATL CEO, added: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Red Funnel and bring the Artemis EF-24 ferry to the vital Southampton-Isle of Wight route.

"The vessel represents a major leap forward in our mission to transform the maritime industry and future-proof our oceans and waterways.

"Air pollution impacts our health, damages quality of life and harms our environment and oceans. By introducing the Artemis EF-24, Red Funnel is taking a significant step towards mitigating these issues and leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.”