At the meeting of Full Council on 30 July 2026, Councillors approved a recommendation to work with Artemis Technologies on the submission of a bid for funding from Innovate UK and the Department for Transport. If secured, this funding would enable the development of a new vessel and harbour infrastructure to create of a ‘Green Maritime Corridor’ between Newlyn and St Mary’s.
On 12 and 13 September 2026, Councillors, stakeholder organisations and invited members of the public were welcomed aboard an Artemis eFoiler vessel (image 1) for a demonstration of the same marine technology which would be used to power a larger, Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry (image 2), specifically adapted for the Scilly to Newlyn route.
Image 1: Capture from drone footage of the Artemis eFoiler vessel arriving at St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly (Credit: Artemis Technologies)
The demonstrations between the islands followed a feasibility study carried out by Artemis Technologies and Connected Places Catapult between September 2025 and March 2026. This study enabled the Artemis Technologies team to assess the region’s challenging sea states and tidal conditions; identify harbour and charging infrastructure requirements; evaluate commercial viability based on demand and fares; and further their understanding of the environmental benefits of an electric service. The first Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry will enter service in Northern Ireland next year, followed by a second vessel operating in the Orkney Islands.
Image 2: Image of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry which would be adapted for use on the Newlyn to Scilly route (Credit: Artemis Technologies)
Cllr Joel Williams, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, who was among the 10 Councillors in attendance at the demonstrations, said: “It was a great pleasure to be invited aboard the Artemis eFoiler vessel and experience the benefits of battery-electric hydrofoil technology for myself. The vessel has attracted a lot of attention since its arrival to the islands, and I’m pleased to report that I was very impressed with how stable, comfortable and quiet a ride it is, even when travelling at considerable speed.
I came away from the demonstration confident that the Artemis Technologies team has the technical knowledge and maritime experience necessary to deliver a larger passenger vessel capable of overcoming the challenges our waters are famous for. I know the team has been paying close attention to the comments and questions raised by islanders and stakeholders and that they share the Council’s eagerness to see the development of green transport systems which help meet the needs of our residents and visitors into the future.”
Councillor Robert Francis, Lead Member for Economy, Tourism and Transport at the Council of the Isles of Scilly, also welcomed the demonstrations and recognised the potential benefits of the technology for the islands’ connectivity, resilience and wider economy:
“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.”
Feedback and questions from those who attended the demonstrations between the islands have enhanced the team’s understanding of the logistical and affordability challenges associated with keeping the Isles of Scilly connected to mainland UK. The performance of the eFoiler® technology was monitored continuously during the demonstrations, and on the journey between Newlyn and St Mary’s. In the event the funding bid is successful, this data will help inform and refine the development of a 100% electric, high-speed EF-24 vessel tailored to our waters.
Next steps
The Green Maritime Corridor feasibility study and demonstrations have established a clear and achievable pathway to delivering a safe, compliant and operationally robust lifeline service for the Isles of Scilly using a battery-electric hydrofoil passenger vessel.
Artemis Technologies will now submit a bid for funding to the Government’s Zero Emission Vessel Infrastructure Fund.
If the funding is secured, both Artemis Technologies and the Council will aim to update the community as the project progresses.
Footage of the Artemis eFoiler demonstrations
You can view footage of the Artemis eFoiler arriving at St Mary’s, taken by the Artemis Technologies team, on the Council’s YouTube Channel.