Zero emissions high-speed ferries could be a reality due to a collaboration between Solent University, Chartwell Marine and Newcastle Marine Services.

Following the development of an original concept by Solent University, the group is aiming to develop an electric hydro-foiling high-speed trimaran, capable of carrying up to 40 passengers on short to medium range coastal routes.

The £1.86m project is being funded by Innovate UK, under the Cleaner Maritime Demonstration Competition, to develop and build a scaled demonstrator vessel, proving that the concept is viable and can operate in a range of weather and sea conditions.

Initial testing has demonstrated the potential for a foiling trimaran with low drag and power requirements. Giles Barkley, leader of Solent University’s yacht engineering-based degrees says, “A traditional, diesel-powered, 40-passenger catamaran ferry operating at 25 knots typically requires well over 1000kw of power. The trimaran foiling ferry concept has the potential to reach 28 knots using just 250kW of power, equivalent to the power used by two modern electric family cars (2×125Kw motors). This means it is possible to power the craft using zero emission electric motors, with a significant reduction in associated fuel and operational costs compared to a traditional diesel craft.”

The Government is funding the development of new clean maritime technology across a two-year period. Innovative companies developing futuristic green technology in 12 regions around the UK will benefit from the cash, generating highly skilled jobs across the nation and positioning the UK as a world leader in low carbon maritime.

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