The Isle of Wight East MP has criticised Red Funnel’s new electric ferry prototype, calling it unproven and potentially unsuitable for Solent conditions.
The comments, posted on Joe Robertson’s Facebook page, follow a public demonstration of the new vessel held last month in Cowes.
The event showcased a smaller-scale prototype of the Artemis EF-24 passenger ferry, designed to operate using zero-emission hydrofoil technology, which will carry 150 passengers.
Red Funnel has described the ferry as a “game changer,” claiming it could offer quieter, faster and more comfortable crossings.
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CEO Fran Collins said it is expected to be “even more reliable” than the current Red Jet fleet, which she claimed already operates consistently at 99 per cent reliability.
Mr Robertson did not attend the event to see the protoype and was instead represented by former councillor Suzie Ellis, who now works for his team. IW West MP Richard Quigley was in attendance.
Mr Robertson has since expressed strong scepticism about the ferry's potential performance in Solent waters.
He posted: “That little white boat [see image below] is supposed to be the prototype to Red Funnel's new fleet of passenger ferries.
“It is an experimental foiling boat that runs on a battery and has never been put into service before.
“Apparently, the actual boat will be bigger, but one has never been built so this is all they can show us.
“I am sceptical whether it will actually work in the swell we often get mid-Solent. The galleon behind it looks more reliable.”
He also accused Red Funnel of neglecting its core car ferry service, which has faced recent criticism from islanders due to reliability and pricing.
“Rather than trying to solve the world's carbon emissions with this battery boat, Red Funnel should be replacing their old unreliable car ferry fleet with tried and tested rugged technology and bring prices down for passengers,” Mr Robertson said.
Responding to wider concerns about the technology, at the event, Ms Collins defended the innovation and emphasised Red Funnel’s commitment to both reliability and environmental responsibility.
“This is a three-year trial, so we bring the vessel down, do the crew training and start to introduce her to service,” she said.
“With this technology, it's electric motor, so we expect it to be even more reliable.”
She added that plans for new vehicle ferries had been “fully scoped” and could proceed once additional investment is secured.
The Artemis is expected to come into service in early 2026, with crew training set to begin at the end of this year.
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