Artemis Technologies electric foiling ferries being built for Seattle area

Double Gussies Award Winner Artemis Technologies is growing their US presence and opportunities with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Delta Marine for manufacturing electric foiling vessels specifically for Washington’s Puget Sound.

Washington State has more ferries than any other region in the U.S. and is under increasing pressure to transition to cleaner, more efficient models as public interest in sustainable transportation rises. Their initiatives in converting large car and passenger ferries to electric or hybrid technologies have been a bit of a struggle over the past few years, the latest plan last October outlining three shipbuilders that have expressed interest in constructing five 160 foot hybrid-electric ferries.

Hydrofoiling ferry used up to 90% less energy

The advantage of an electric hydrofoiling ferry is that the energy required to move the vessel through the water is reduced by as much as 90%, no matter whether it is being propelled by combustion or electric motors. Electric propulsion offers the additional advantages of zero carbon and other noxious fume emissions, as well as drastically reduced maintenance costs.

For ferry operators – commercial or municipal – who have to fill up tanks every day for the fuel to be burned in combustion engines, the Artemis boats offer very quick payback on initial investment and long term energy supply for a fraction of FF cost.

The company offers a portfolio of products that includes the 150 passenger Artemis EF-24 Passenger and the Artemis EF-12 Escape, a 12 passenger luxury water taxi designed for commuters and luxury travel that was launched at this year’s America’s Cup in Barcelona.

The EF-24 won a 2023 Gustave Trouvé Electric Boat Award in 2023 (Commercial Passenger Vessels) and the company’s EF-12 Workboat won the Electric Workboats category in 2024.

See all Winners of the 2024 Gussies Electric Boat Awards

The partnership of Artemis and Delta has the ability to significantly change Washington’s regional maritime landscape by providing an eco-friendly solution that addresses both the environmental and logistical challenges facing the area’s waterborne transit systems. The smaller Artemis vessels are ideal for high-speed, short-haul routes in the area.

Optimized for efficiency and lower environmental impact, they reflect the “mosquito fleet” style of smaller, more agile ferries that have recently been advocated as a practical solution to Puget Sound’s ferry congestion, including routes operated by King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Transit.

Mosquito fleets of smaller ferries / watertaxis

Delta Marine’s Vice President Michelle Jones, who grew up using Washington State ferries, said “Sustainability is a top priority, particularly in our corner of the world and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Artemis to craft a model of efficient water transportation that pays tribute to the extraordinary nature around us. To employ our knowledge base as leaders in advanced lightweight composite construction for the good of the public and the natural world is a chance of a lifetime.”

Jones added that by building these ferries locally, they are not only bringing world-leading electrification and foiling expertise to the region, but also supporting Washington’s clean energy objectives and fostering innovation in the U.S. maritime sector.

“Delta was the perfect partner for several reasons” said David Tyler, Co-Founder of Artemis Technologies. “Both companies share a passion for leveraging next-gen technology to create the most efficient, forward-thinking naval architecture, design, and construction. We’re proud to work with them to offer real-world solutions that address the region’s pressing transportation challenges and environmental goals.”

Artemis Technologies founded by America’s Cup vets

Headquartered in Seattle for over 50 years, Delta has been a world leader in composite construction utilizing unconventional solutions, lightweight materials, and creative forms that are progressive in both design and utility. Their journey began with building commercial fishing boats for Alaska’s formidable waters. They have since expanded to create some of the world’s most iconic megayachts.

Artemis Technologies was founded in 2017 by a group led by Dr. Iain Percy OBE – a three time Olympic medallist, double Olympic champion and veteran of four America’s Cup challenges, including the 2013 challenge with one of the first foiling entries. The company’s goal has been to see how that advanced sailing technology could play a part in the decarbonization of the maritime industry.

The company invested over $100 million in research and development. A key milestone was reached in 2022 with the successful deployment of the “Pioneer of Belfast” – the first Artemis EF-24 Passenger. It is scheduled to go into service later this year between Belfast and Bangor, Ireland.

After establishing its North America operations in New York, Artemis  has seen significant interest from U.S. operators and stakeholders. This MOU with Delta Marine aligns with ongoing partnerships and contracts with notable maritime operators, including Condor Ferries, Orkney Ferries, Brabo, Swedish Maritime Administration, and Red Funnel, underscoring the clean maritime company’s commitment to decarbonizing marine transportation on a global scale.

Artemis Technologies  Delta Marine