Artemis Ferry For Gold Medal Return To Weymouth?
Could a former triple Olympic medal winner sailor be the key person to help bring back a passenger ferry service to Weymouth?
A sailor who won two golds and one silver during his career. He was for years based in the area. And won that last silver in the waters where this ferry could be sailing through or rather above soon!
Iain Percy CEO of Artemis Technologies.
Iain Percy, OBE, the CEO of Artemis Technologies is part of the team developing a new type of ferry. Using his experience in high speed ocean sailing with the new foils. Not only operating with zero emissions but able to carry its passengers smoothly above the often choppy English Channel.
In a recent interview Iain said: “That the craft under development could have a real impact on the climate crisis. And it can make a real difference in the long term for the climate.”
Zero Emission Artemis Ferry Would Provide New Vital Link
The craft which will be massively more efficient than any high speed ferry currently operating on the Channel Islands route. Or any similar ones around the world.
Working with The Artemis Technology team and The Belfast Consortium they are developing the world’s most advanced high-speed zero emissions passenger ferry.
Former Channel Islands fast cat complete with engine smoke.
With news that the Channel Islands based Condor Ferries company has also now joined the scheme. Plus, they will be running the pilot scheme to test the Artemis eFoiler technology. Using a conventional 150 passenger ferry that will operate between Bangor and Belfast. A 10 mile commuter service to help test the underslung foils in a really practical situation.
Condor Ferry in Guernsey.
Rumours and news items keep appearing in the media talking of a ferry service returning to Weymouth. There has been a long history of trading and passenger services running between the Channel Islands and the Dorset town.
The Fastest Connection Would Be From Weymouth
Its immediate deep water access and closeness to the islands has much in its favour. And, could offer the fastest connection between mainland UK and the islands. Even using the current technology there are certainly time and cost advantages in using this 10 mile shorter route than to Poole. (A 20 mile return journey saving). Operating from Poole Harbour the transit time in the shallow and snaking harbour does add more time to the route as well.
Video: Last Condor Ferry Leaving Weymouth
The Condor Ferries service finished operating in 2015.
The ferry company itself currently carries around a million passengers a year. This is on its UK routes between England, the Channel Islands and France.
Testing the foil for an Artemis Ferry in Belfast. ©Artemis Technologies.
Firstly, switching from fossil fuels. Secondly, using the foil design to lift the ferry above the waves for a smoother journey. Thirdly, it would be electrically powered by propellers built into the foils.
High-Tech Ocean Racing Could Save Costs For Artemis Ferry Link.
The technology all comes from the America’s Cup sailing races. This foil concept was developed and expanded and used to great effect by Team Artemis. Where Iain Percy was team Manager and Tactician.
Iain Percy CEO of Artemis Technologies. ©Artemis Technologies.
Using this new technology which could be put to use for a whole host of craft. From work boats to large ferries; it has the potential to earn a great deal for the company.
The Artemis Technologies company is a spin-off from the Artemis Racing team that competed in the America’s Cup. Iain its founder, twice Olympic champion Dr Iain Percy OBE is a four-time veteran.
He said:“Combining our experience from the worlds of high-performance sailing, motorsports and advanced manufacturing. The electric propulsion system that we’ve designed and developed is an absolute game changer for the industry in terms of range. Cost savings and minimal wake created.
“With hydrofoils that lift the boats out of the water, we are dramatically reducing drag. This is coupled with a submerged electric drivetrain. That is exceptionally efficient, as proven through rigorous testing with our partners, confirming what we had discovered through our own onshore digital simulations.
“The ride comfort of a hydrofoiling vessel through a large seaway has to be experienced to be believed. Offering a completely smooth journey whatever the sea state.
“This will allow engineers in crew transfer vessels or port operations to get to their destination and deliver their services. Without discomfort.
From Work Boat To A Passenger Artemis Ferry
“As our vessels transform the commercial workboat and city-to-city passenger ferry sectors over the coming years. Belfast and the UK will be at the forefront, creating thousands of jobs across the supply chain and heralding a green shipbuilding revolution.
Iain Percy CEO of Artemis Technologies. Pictured at The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
“With the global small boat market worth $70 billion. We are immensely proud to launch our first range of zero-emission vessels for the workboat sector. From which we have already received significant pre-market interest.”
Testing the foils in one of the new work boats then scaled up for an Artemis Ferry. ©Artemis Technologies.
Both Dorset And Channel Islands Could Benefit
Support from tourism businesses at both ends is growing.
Ian Girling, Chief Executive at Dorset Chamber of Commerce, said: ” The proposed return of cross-channel services could provide revitalisation to the Weymouth Harbour.
He added: “The return of a Channel Islands service would be a great boost for the local economy. “Hospitality, leisure and tourism could be among the sectors to benefit.
“The new developments are encouraging. Although, I appreciate it is still early days. “Many businesses in Dorset will be keen to hear more details in due course.”
Former Condor Offices Were Demolished In Weymouth
Demolishing of the former quayside offices was certainly needed after finding that asbestos had been used in the construction. Thus, replacing would have been needed anyway.
