A marine technology firm is now exploring a new passenger ferry service to the Isles of Scilly that would take only an hour and let people fly over the waves.
Artemis Technologies organised a feasibility study to see if its proposed hydrofoil vessel could handle the seas between Newlyn and St Mary's on the islands all year round.
The study, funded as part of the Isles of Scilly Clean Maritime Corridor project, examined the technical and commercial viability of the route for the firm, which comes as other competitors have tried and failed to challenge the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group's passenger and freight monopoly.
The firm believes its Artemis EF-24 Passenger, a 100 percent electric, high-speed hydrofoil ferry, could provide a "reliable, year round passenger and cargo service on a route where no winter ferry currently operates and air travel is frequently disrupted by bad weather".
Artemis Technologies said its vessel "flies above the water on hydrofoils", dramatically reducing drag and energy use while ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey in rough seas. It operates with zero emissions and reduced wake, offering a "step change in both performance and environmental impact compared to traditional ferries".
At the time of the sea trial last year, Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies, said: "This study represents an exciting step toward transforming
Marine Tech Firm Advances Hydrofoil Ferry Plan for Isles of Scilly