A hydrofoil ferry could soon take passengers from Newlyn to the Isles of Scilly in about an hour.
The current Scillonian ferry service to the isles takes about two hours and 45 minutes and does not run in winter or in rough seas. However, maritime company Artemis Technologies believes its 100 per cent electric hydrofoil vessel could provide a "reliable, year-round passenger connection".
The firm brought one of its existing vessels to Newlyn to demonstrate the technology and assess whether it could support a future passenger service operated by a ferry operator on the route.
In a drone video filmed on the day, which you can watch above, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger is seen flying above the water on hydrofoils, dramatically reducing drag and energy consumption while offering a smoother and more comfortable journey in challenging sea conditions.
The feasibility study was organised by Artemis Technologies, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and Connected Places Catapult to explore the potential for a new "Green Shipping Corridor between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly".
Currently, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company provides all passenger and freight ferry services from Penzance to St Mary's. It also operates a plane service from Land's End airport to the islands.
Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said: "Our technology combines high-speed, zero-emission operation with exceptional passenger comfort and has already shown the performance and resilience needed for challenging island and coastal routes. The feasibility study highlighted the potential for smaller vessels, such as the 150-passenger Artemis EF-24 Passenger, to serve the route effectively, offering greater operational flexibility in challenging weather conditions than is often possible with larger vessels. Having proven its capability in rough seas, the technology has covered more than 40 nautical miles at speeds of up to 28 knots in wave heights exceeding three metres. This reinforces its suitability for routes such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and its potential to deliver a faster, cleaner and more resilient transport option for local communities and visitors."
Nigel Blackler, project director at the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said: "Connectivity is fundamental to life on the Isles of Scilly, supporting residents, businesses, visitors and access to essential services throughout the year. The feasibility study identified a viable pathway towards a future passenger connection on the route, and these demonstrations have offered an opportunity to experience that potential first-hand."
Mark Wray, head of maritime, technical at Connected Places
Hydrofoil Ferry From Newlyn to Isles of Scilly Could Take an Hour