Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Debuts, Transforms B.C. Coastal Travel
Imagine gliding across the water almost silently, with barely a ripple, as your ferry literally lifts above the waves. That future arrived in British Columbia this week, as a sleek, all-electric hydrofoil ferry made its public debut in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This groundbreaking vessel isn’t just a sight to behold—it’s a potential game changer for coastal commuters across the region.
A Quiet Revolution on the Water
On Monday, the carbon-fibre ferry, powered entirely by electricity and supported by underwater wings, sliced smoothly through Victoria’s waters. With room for up to 12 passengers, this ferry—dubbed the EF-12—offered a glimpse of what could become a new era for marine travel in B.C.
Victoria-based Greenline Ferries and FRS Clipper have teamed up with Northern Ireland’s Artemis Technologies to bring this innovative vessel to the province. Together, they aim to redefine how people move along the coast, especially as communities grow and traditional infrastructure struggles to keep up.
Hydrofoil Tech: Faster, Smoother, Greener
What makes this ferry so special? Cutting-edge hydrofoil technology raises the boat above the water as it accelerates, slashing drag and saving energy. The result? A ride that’s faster, quieter, and far more efficient than any conventional ferry.
“This vessel is totally capable of handling routes like Royal Bay to Victoria,” said FRS Clipper CEO Mark Collins. “It’s a game changer—smoother, faster, and far more sustainable than anything we’ve used before.”
Expanding the Network: New Routes, New Possibilities
Greenline Ferries founder and CEO Callum Campbell is excited about the potential to open up entirely new water-based corridors across B.C. “Our ferry network was designed for the needs of the 1960s,” he said. “Now, we have different communities and different pressures. It’s time to redraw the map.”
One promising route under consideration is downtown Victoria to Royal Bay, which could dramatically cut travel time for West Shore residents. With the development of The Beachlands, this option is looking more realistic than ever.
Bigger Boats, Brighter Future
While the EF-12 can carry a dozen passengers, larger models are already on the way. Artemis Technologies is building the EF-24, which can transport up to 150 people at a time. These bigger ferries are set to enter service in Belfast soon, and B.C. could be next.
“Victoria is absolutely ideal for this technology,” Campbell said. “Building new roads or bridges is expensive and time-consuming, especially in coastal regions. This is a fast, zero-emission way to improve connections right now.”
Cheaper, Cleaner, and More Comfortable
The electric ferries use 70-90% less energy than standard ferries, according to Artemis co-founder David Tyler. “As the boat accelerates, it creates lift and flies above the water,” he explained. “That reduces drag and energy use dramatically—and it makes for a very quiet, very comfortable ride.”
Passengers will notice a huge difference in comfort, too. “It probably takes out 75 to 90% of the motion you’d feel on a normal ferry,” Collins said. “That means a lot less seasickness, and a much better experience even at high speeds.”
What’s Next for B.C.’s Ferries?
Greenline Ferries launched in 2022 with a focus on improving commuter connections between Gibsons, Bowen Island, and downtown Vancouver. Public engagement has been strong, especially from people tired of highway congestion and long commutes.
The company aims to confirm a terminal in downtown Vancouver, with operations to Gibsons and Bowen Island set to begin by 2027. Early proposals suggest fares between $18 and $28 for routes like Bowen Island to Vancouver, with similar pricing likely for the Victoria-Royal Bay route if it moves forward.
With two EF-24 ferries, the service could move over 1,000 people per day. And because the ferries are nearly silent, they also reduce noise pollution in marine environments.
A Ready-Made Solution for B.C.
“This is no longer a futuristic idea,” Tyler said. “It’s a ready-made solution that’s already working in Europe. Now it’s about political will, community interest, and making the right connections.”
Following the Victoria demo, the team will showcase the ferry in Vancouver (June 20), Bowen Island (June 21), and Gibsons (June 22), before wrapping up with technical trials June 23-25.
For Greater Victoria—and all of B.C.—the future of ferries is not just on the horizon. It’s already flying above the waves.
