An electric passenger ferry could soon transform travel along B.C.’s coast, with plans to launch service between downtown Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast by 2027.
On June 16, Victoria will get a first look at that future. The sleek, fully electric Artemis EF-12 Escape will be tested in the Inner Harbour, showcasing its high-speed, zero-emission potential.
Built by Belfast-based Artemis Technologies, the vessel uses a hydrofoil system, a submerged “wing” that lifts the ferry above the water while cruising, dramatically reducing drag and energy use.
While the EF-12 Escape seats just 12 passengers, Artemis has also developed a larger version, the EF-24 Passenger, which carries up to 150 people. That’s the model Greenline Ferries hopes to launch by 2027.
Greenline, a Victoria-based company, says the capital is a logical first stop.
“Victoria’s a great first landing spot,” said Greenline founder and CEO Callum Campbell. “The vessel’s coming up from Seattle, and obviously Victoria’s a bit of a hub for ferries – and for the province in general – so we want to show it off and demonstrate with key stakeholders.”
While Greenline’s initial focus is on connecting downtown Vancouver with Bowen Island and Gibsons, Campbell sees long-term potential around Greater Victoria, especially through the company’s partnership with FRS Clipper, which is co-hosting the demonstration voyages.
While the company is based in Victoria, and a test run will cruise through the Inner Harbour, they don't have confirmed plans to expand into Victoria.
“There are routes like Royal Bay and Esquimalt that have been talked about,” he said. “They’re not in our initial plans, but they show what’s possible."
From June 16 to 23, the EF-12 Escape will offer by-invitation demo trips to highlight its performance.
Mark Collins, CEO of FRS Clipper – which runs the popular Victoria Clipper – believes the ferry could be a game-changer.
“There is tremendous opportunity to introduce reliable, high-frequency passenger ferry service to B.C. coastal communities thanks to cost-effective technology like this,” he said.
The ferry reaches up to 36 knots – nearly twice the speed of conventional ferries – and will stop in Vancouver (June 20), Bowen Island (June 21), and Gibsons (June 22), before wrapping up with technical trials June 23–25.
The ferry’s foiling design allows it to “fly” above the water, cutting power use by half compared to traditional ferries.
“That means, just like an electric car, you’ve got more range, can go faster, and use power far more efficiently,” Campbell said.
Campbell emphasized that the EF-12 is a testing platform, not a service vessel.
“We’re using it to test key technologies – specifically debris detection and collision avoidance systems.”
Though the EF-12 carries just 12 passengers, the EF-24 Passenger is designed for full-scale operations. Artemis Technologies, born of an America’s Cup racing team, adapted its hydrofoil expertise for commercial vessels.
“They’ve really commercialized that racing technology into work boats and ferries,” Campbell said. “Everything’s developed and built in Belfast.”
Looking ahead to 2027, Greenline’s next steps include finalizing a downtown Vancouver terminal, ordering vessels, and deploying “charge barges” – floating platforms equipped with rapid electric charging.
“Having a landing site in downtown Vancouver is obviously critical,” Campbell said. “Ordering the boats, building the barges – those processes take 12 to 18 months.”
Greenline is working with BC Hydro, the Town of Gibsons, and the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority to refine the charge barge concept – a combined dock and charging hub.
“You can build it off-site and float it into a community,” Campbell said. “It’s like an all-in-one charging station and landing space.”
The company is still studying the EF-24’s performance metrics, including charging duration and range.
With two years to go before launch, Greenline sees this summer’s demos as a major step toward modernizing marine transit in B.C.
“We see opportunities for all-electric passenger ferries everywhere,” said Campbell. “There’s so much potential across the province.”
