Artemis Technologies has announced the arrival of its Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL, named Zevi 1, in Ornkey.
The electric-powered hydrofoil workboat, which was constructed in Belfast, is set to kickstart essential trials to evaluate its performance within Ornkey’s operating environment before entering potential service for a three-year long trial connecting Kirkwall with Shapinsay, Egilsay, Wyre and Rousay.

Data on the vessel’s performance will be collected over the coming months in order to measure its efficiency and operational capacity and is hoped to provide insights into the feasability and wider adoption of hydrofoiling technology throughout the maritime industry.
Alongside the introduction of the vessel, a new ultra-fast charger has been installed in Kirkwall, offering a full charge in just under an hour.
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.
The Artemis EF-12 Workboat XL touts a passenger capacity of 12 and measures in at 12 metres, with funding for the vessel having been partially provided by the UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport.
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. The Electric Orkney project is yet another example of UK SHORE projects demonstrating the best of home-grown innovation and delivering real value to regions across the UK.
A second vessel, the Artemist EF-24, which also forms part of the Electric Ornkey project alongside the Artemis EF-12, is set to be delivered in the coming months.