Electric Ferries

A new initiative has been announced by the Scottish Government that is designed to improve the existing ferry fleet. Seven new electric ferries will be purchased in order to improve the current services on the Clyde and in the Hebrides islands. The new electric ferries together with port improvements and shore power upgrades is expected to cost £175 million in its first phase.

A trial is scheduled to begin in the Orkney Islands from April of this year with the use of two Electric Ferries. The smaller vessel will carry 12 passengers and the larger of the two ferries will be able to carry up to 50 passengers as well as cargo. The trial is planned to last for three years and will use hydrofoil vessels which float with their hulls lifted above the water.  The hydrofoils will go from Kirkwall, Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre. The trial hopes to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of ferries between the islands while also increasing the efficiency and duration of the ferry services. If the hydrofoil ferries prove suitable for the demanding Orkney environment a regular ferry service will be made available from April 2025.