VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER, BC (May 21, 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 the Pacific Northwest 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’ vessels are capable of reaching speeds up to 36 knots—nearly double the pace of conventional ferries, and with just half the energy use. Think smoother rides, fewer emissions, and a future where crossing the Salish Sea is as elegant as it is efficient.

Demonstration voyages and technical trials will take place from June 16-23. Technical trials will test cutting-edge debris detection and collision avoidance systems developed by Artemis Technologies in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast—vital technology for BC’s complex marine environment. Members of the public are invited to view the vessel and learn more about the technology, with invited guests given seats on the voyages themselves.

Mark Collins, CEO of FRS Clipper, which operates the popular Victoria Clipper between Seattle and Victoria, sees the Artemis EF-12 Escape as a potential game-changer. “There is tremendous opportunity to introduce reliable, high-frequency passenger ferry service to coastal communities in BC thanks to cost-effective technology like this.”

Greenline Ferries, founded in 2022, aims to launch all-electric routes from Gibsons and Bowen Island to downtown Vancouver by 2027. “We’re not just showcasing a ferry,” said Greenline CEO Callum Campbell. “We’re previewing an option to connect our region cleanly, efficiently, and beautifully.  The technology has enormous potential for BC, and we look forward to these trials.”

David Tyler, co-founder of Artemis Technologies, commented: “We’re proud to support cleaner transport by providing our proven, zero-emission Artemis EF-12 Escape for these demonstrations. It’s fantastic to bring this vessel to BC waters for the first time to showcase its real-world performance.”

To learn more about the zero emission, hydrofoiling vessel trials and demonstration voyages, please visit https://www.greenlineferries.com/demonstrations

Note to newsrooms: Asset packs of photos and videos can also be downloaded from that project page: https://www.greenlineferries.com/demonstrations

Artemis EF-12 Escape British Columbia Tour Schedule:

June 16: Victoria Demonstration Voyages

June 20: Vancouver Demonstration Voyages

June 21: Bowen Island Demonstration Voyages

June 22: Gibsons Demonstration Voyages

June 23: Technical Trials

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 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 Greenline Ferries 

Greenline is a mission-driven company dedicated to offering up 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.

About Artemis Technologies  

Artemis Technologies is a 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 propulsion system that dramatically reduces drag and enhances energy efficiency.

Contact:

Leah Weathersby

Marketing Director, FRS Clipper

Phone: 206-679-4428

Email: leah.weathersby@clippervacations.com