A unique demonstration of world-leading maritime technology is coming to BC.
JUNE 16 –23, 2025
Imagine a ferry that glides above the water, whisper-quiet, fast, and entirely electric. This isn’t science fiction—BC trials are coming this June.
The Artemis EF-12 Escape, a high-speed, zero-emission passenger vessel built by Belfast’s Artemis Technologies, is making its way to British Columbia for a series of exclusive demonstration voyages. Hosted jointly by FRS Clipper and Greenline Ferries, the Artemis EF-12 Escape represents a potential breakthrough in coastal travel.
With its underwater “wing,” or hydrofoil, the Artemis EF-12 Escape lifts entirely out of the water while cruising, dramatically reducing drag. Artemis Technologies' vessel can reach speeds of up to 36 knots—nearly double the pace of conventional ferries, and with just half the energy use.
These demonstrations are an informative step toward launching BC’s first high-speed, all-electric passenger-only ferry service in 2027, allowing FRS Clipper + Greenline to gather real-world data, validate the performance, and assess public and stakeholder response.
The upcoming tour kicks off with a demo in Victoria on June 16, followed by Vancouver (June 20), Bowen Island (June 21), and Gibsons (June 22). Technical trials will follow on June 23, 24, and 25.
Artemis ef-12 Escape
The Artemis EF-12 Escape is an all-electric vessel that lifts above the water on an underwater wing called a hydrofoil. The result is a smoother, faster, and much more energy-efficient ride — using up to half the energy of a normal vessel. This cutting-edge technology was developed by Artemis Technologies, a spin-off of the Artemis America’s Cup sailing team. The vessel has low underwater radiated noise to reduce the impact to marine mammals, and minimal wake that helps to safeguard coastal shorelines.
Collision Avoidance
Artemis Technologies’ collision avoidance system has already shown very promising results, but this will be the first time this technology is tested in BC waters. The collision avoidance system has been developed in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast to spot floating hazards such as logs in real time. The system uses smart sensors to tell the difference between harmless sea clutter and real obstacles, helping captains identify potential hazards consistently. Technology like this is vital for hydrofoils in BC’s complex marine environment.
PARTNERSHIP
FRS Clipper + Greenline share a common goal: bringing cleaner, more innovative marine transportation options to BC. We’ve partnered for this exciting trial to explore how world-leading technology could help achieve that vision.
After the trial, we'll review the results together and decide what the next steps in our partnership might look like.
Looking ahead
Artemis Technologies has also developed a larger vessel—the Artemis EF-24 Passenger—a 150-passenger, high-speed electric ferry. The BC Technical Trials are more than just a showcase; they are a crucial opportunity to gather real-world data on vessel performance, environmental impact, and operational fit in BC’s unique marine environment. Insights from the trials will help FRS Clipper and Greenline Ferries on the requirements and options available for future ferry service in BC.
Photo Gallery
about the project partners
About FRS Clipper
Since 1986 Clipper Navigation, Ltd. has provided transportation and tours to more than eight million travelers. An experienced operator of high-speed ferries, FRS Clipper is a proud participant in Green Marine, a voluntary environmental certification program that addresses key environmental issues through 12 performance indicators including greenhouse gases, air emissions, spill prevention, waste management, environmental leadership, and community impacts.
About Greenline Ferries
Greenline is a mission-driven company dedicated to delivering new options for coastal transportation in BC, starting with fast, all-electric, passenger-only ferries that provide seamless connections into the transit, car-share, and ride-hail networks of Metro Vancouver. Greenline has undertaken community engagement, carried out careful data analysis, and scoped the critical incentives needed to bring this project to reality.
About FRS
The FRS Group, based in Flensburg, Germany has grown over the past 150 years from a regional passenger ship operator into an internationally active group of companies with over 1,500 employees. FRS operates 65 ships worldwide with five more under construction. Today, the portfolio of the FRS Group, which is based in northern Germany, includes 14 operating subsidiaries based in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. The broad positioning and international presence of the FRS Group emphasizes its status as a leading provider of shipping connections worldwide.
About Artemis Technologies
Artemis Technologies are the global leader in clean maritime technology and high-speed electric foiling vessels. They are at the forefront of the maritime industry’s push towards decarbonisation and are the first company to have a commercially coded electric foiling vessel. Their revolutionary Artemis eFoiler® electric system that dramatically reduces drag and enhances energy efficiency.
Testimonials
This is exactly the kind of bold move we need to drive progress in BC’s marine industry. With FRS Clipper and Greenline Ferries leading the charge, we’re seeing what’s possible when world-leading maritime technology meets a real commitment to sustainability. MarineLabs is proud to support their BC technical trials with high-resolution wave and wake data, helping to validate vessel performance and understand how passengers respond to this new kind of coastal travel. It’s a meaningful step toward cleaner, smarter marine transportation, and we’re excited to be part of it.
%20(3).jpg){kind=logo}
Dr. Scott Beatty, CEO
MarineLabs