Belfast to Bangor ferry plans & launch date revealed
Facilities on board include bike racks & charging points
Last updated 26th Sep 2022
The zero-emission ferry service from Bangor Marina to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is to begin in 2024, as part of a pilot programme.
The service will run with an expected journey time of around 30 minutes.
This revolutionary ferry is among several 100% electric vessels being developed by Artemis Technologies in Belfast, Northern Ireland, designed to provide commercially viable green transport solutions for operators, cities and governments across the world.
With a top speed of 38 knots and a foiling range of 115 nautical miles at 25 knots, these 24 metre vessels will transform the global passenger ferry market as it races to decarbonise.
The ferries will be fully accessible, incredibly spacious with a range of facilities on board including bike racks, cabin bag and overhead storage, baby changing facilities, and charging points.
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Powered by the patented Artemis eFoiler® electric propulsion system, the 24m vessels will fly above the water, providing a comfortable ride for up to 150 passengers on board, mitigating effects of seasickness and producing minimal wake at high-speed, significantly reducing the impact on shorelines.
Artemis Technologies is a spin-off from the Artemis Racing team that competed in the America’s Cup.
Its founder, two-time Olympic champion Dr Iain Percy OBE said: : “We have combined our experience from the worlds of high-performance sailing, motorsports, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing to design and develop an electric propulsion system that is quite simply a game changer for the maritime industry.
“Our high-speed passenger ferry provides a cost-effective public transport solution that helps address air pollution, congestion, and noise.
The vessels will also feature a unique high-speed collision avoidance system developed with ECIT, part of Queen’s University Belfast.
The system will ensure the safety of operations in port and close to shore by safely diverting the ferry on an altered path away from sea life, wildlife, debris and other in-water objects that might otherwise be obscured from view.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris added:
“My congratulations to Artemis Technologies and Belfast Maritime Consortium on unveiling the plans for this exciting zero emissions vessel.
“I recently visited Artemis’ headquarters. I am delighted that they are seizing the many opportunities that the development of green transport presents, and which the UK Government is committed to supporting through our Net Zero Strategy.
“The development of such world-leading technology will ensure that Belfast remains at the forefront of maritime innovation, while providing a boost to the local green economy.”
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