Latest news with #Zevi
The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Electric ferry begins trial runs between Orkney islands
The boat, named Zevi 1, is being deployed to serve a route that connects the Orkney islands of Shapinsay, Egilsay, Wyre and Rousay with Kirkwall on four daily rotations. The ferry has been built by Artemis Technologies in Belfast and the £15m trial is part of the Electric Orkney project - funded by the UK government's Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (Zevi) fund. Orkney Ferries will begin testing the 12m (39ft) ferry, which can carry a dozen passengers, this week to see how it performs in the sea conditions around the islands. The Zavi 1 will be based in Kirkwall (Image: Colin Keldie) The hydrofoil technology lifts the hull of the vessel above the water, enabling it to travel at high speed. If the Zevi boat performs well it is expected to begin carrying passengers later this summer. "This is a trial and we need to find out how well this new technology will work here," said Orkney Islands councillor Melissa Thomson, who chairs Orkney Ferries. "We are very hopeful this could be a game-changer for faster travel between the islands if things go well." Over the coming months, extensive data will be collected to measure the vessel's efficiency and operational performance. Accompanying the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL in Orkney is the installation of an ultra-fast charger in Kirkwall, which will provide a full charge to the 12 metre vessel in under 60 minutes. The trial will last three years (Image: Colin Keldie) Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said: 'Bringing the Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL to the islands supports Electric Orkney's ongoing goal of decarbonising transport whilst improving the quality of service for residents and visitors.' READ MORE: Neale Ryan, Head of Land & Maritime Transport at Innovate UK, the main deliver partner of the UK Government's UK SHORE programme, which funds the Electric Orkney project, said: 'We're extremely pleased that another UK SHORE-funded project will now deliver new zero carbon maritime capabilities, this time in Orkney, a community where ferry transport is a key part of daily life.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Electric hydrofoil ferry begins trials in Orkney
A small, electric passenger ferry is beginning a three-year trial in Orkney. The vessel uses new hydrofoil technology and could cut travel times between islands significantly. The ferry has been built by Artemis Technologies in Belfast and the £15m trial is part of the Electric Orkney project - funded by the UK government's Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (Zevi) fund. If it is approved to carry passengers, the ferry will operate from Kirkwall to the islands of Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre. Orkney Ferries will begin testing the 12m (39ft) ferry this week to see how it performs in the sea conditions around the islands. The hydrofoil technology lifts the hull of the vessel above the water, enabling it to travel at high speed. If the Zevi boat performs well it is expected to begin carrying passengers later this summer. "This is a trial and we need to find out how well this new technology will work here," said Orkney Islands councillor Melissa Thomson, who chairs Orkney Ferries. "We are very hopeful this could be a game-changer for faster travel between the islands if things go well." Service manager for Orkney Ferries, Eddie Barclay, said the Zevi boat would be put through its paces by experienced local mariners for the next two months. "We need to see how it performs in different sea states and conditions," he said. "The waters around Orkney can be challenging so it will certainly test her handling capabilities." A second larger hydrofoil vessel is due to arrive in the islands at the end of this year. A new fast electric charger is being installed at Kirkwall's harbour which will charge the Zevi's batteries in about one hour. More stories from North East Scotland, Orkney and Shetland Listen to news from Orkney on BBC Sounds The electric hydrofoil is a high-tech addition to Orkney's ferry fleet, but it does not remove the urgent need to replace the islands' ageing internal ferries. Its arrival coincided with the latest meeting of the Scottish government's internal ferry replacement taskforce for the area. It is currently chaired by Finance Secretary Shona Robison who welcomed the arrival the electric ferry. The Scottish government has contributed £3m towards supporting the Zevi trial and also the council's business case for new ferries. Ms Robison said the local authority had plans to introduce eight new vessels in total which would help both tourism and the local community. Orkney to get two electric ferries for trial
