EUROPE REPORT
The electric hydro foiling propulsion system is a fast-growing technology taking an important place in the future of the maritime industry. The revolutionary concept provides cost-effectiveness, zero-emissions, zero-noise and excellent performance values (very fast) in different types of boats for pleasure and commercial use.
Tne technology is innovative and is, for most vessels, based on a specific aerodynamic design of a boat, retractable foils, electric motors, and batteries. Hydro foiling and electric systems work together to cut through waves causing less drag and resulting in higher speed.
The use of energy is much less than for any other vessel with a traditional propulsion system. E-foiling boats give an impression of flying over water silently with no CO2 emission or any other air or water pollution. The experience is comfortable, safe, clean and speedy.
Artemis Technologies from Belfast (Ireland) is a pioneer in building and commercializing hydro foiling electric workboats, petrol, and water taxis. Artemis recently introduced a ferry of 24 meters to carries 100 passengers, the model EF-24 Passenger.
With its futuristic design and 16 tons of batteries installed below deck, it ensures energy storage of 2.82 MW and cruising speed between 28 knots and 32 knots (60 km/hour). This is double the speed of a traditional ferry with electric propulsion.
The new technology uses between 80% and 85% less energy compared to a conventional electric ferry. If the EF-24 operates 200 Nautical Miles per day, 350 days a year it will save some GBP 2.6 million in fuel consumption and up to 8,000 tons of CO2 emission annually, compared to a diesel craft of the same capacity.
The ferry’s first journey connecting Belfast to Bangor in Northern Ireland is scheduled to take place in July 2024 and will be operated by Condor Ferries.
Apart from Artemis Technologies, the Swiss innovative company MobyFly is working on electric hydro foiling ferries in the range of 10 to 30 meters with a capacity of 10 to 350 passengers, and a speed of 38 knots (70km/h).
The latest creations are being tested on lakes in Geneva. MobyFly’s next level is the creation of boats with a hydrogen/foiling propulsion system.
Candela from Sweeden has been producing recreational electric hydro foiling boats since 2019 with very much success. The next phase is implementation of the same technology in work boats such as ferries, taxis, super-yachts tenders. The P-12 Shuttle was launched last year and now is going into production in a facility in Stockholm. The P-12 Shuttle is an 11.99 meters vessel with a capacity of 30 passengers and top speed of 50 NM.
Meanwhile, new builders of recreational boats steadily but surely are appearing in this specific niche. Candela with its latest C-8 model, Futur-e and Edorado are some of those who lead today’s market. They create a unique experience of boating while achieving a higher level of sustainability benefits. It is anticipated that recreational boats with e-foiling propulsion will take 1% of the pleasure boat market by 2030. Faster growth is expected in the following decades. PSR
Natasa Mulahalilovic is Marine Product Manager for Power Systems Research
