Electric ferries to boost decarbonisation efforts

Two electric ferries will go on trial

(Web Desk) - Multi-million-pound funding has come from the UK government's Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund

(Web Desk) - The multi-million-pound funding has come from the UK government's Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund, which aims to boost the country's decarbonisation efforts.

Two electric ferries will go on trial in Orkney thanks to a £15m funding boost.

The vessels - which use hydrofoil technology to lift the hull out of the water to navigate above the waves - are being supplied by Artemis Technologies for a three-year pilot.

The smaller 12m ferry will operate a year-round service around the inner north isles, while the larger 24m boat will transfer passengers and light cargo around Eday, Stronsay, Sanday and Westray.

The 12m vessel is expected to arrive in March next year, while the larger boat is due to be delivered in 2025.

The fully-electric vessels will remain in the ownership of Orkney Ferries after the trial has concluded.

Charging infrastructure will also be installed as part of the Electric Orkney project, which is a partnership between Orkney Islands Council, Artemis Technologies and EMEC.

The multi-million-pound funding has come from the UK government's Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) fund, which aims to boost the country's decarbonisation efforts.