In our recent look at hydrofoiling opportunities in the GTA, we identified the great potential for “blue highways.” Today, that potential is becoming a tangible reality.
As showcased in the recent technical breakdowns of the “Artemis demonstrates its electric ferry technologies” hydrofoiling isn’t just about speed—it’s about the radical efficiency required to make electric marine transport viable.
Could clean, quiet, and efficient foiling electric ferries and vessels be plying our coastlines and sailing in and out of our harbours sooner than later?
The West Coast is currently the frontline for hydrofoiling transit in Canada. In June 2025, Artemis Technologies—a global leader in green maritime tech—brought their EF-12 Escape to British Columbia for a series of historic demonstration voyages.
Partnering with Greenline Ferries and FRS Clipper, the pilot project across Victoria, Vancouver, and Bowen Island proved several key metrics:
- Double the Speed, Half the Energy: The EF-12 reached speeds of 30 knots while using 50% less energy than conventional hulls.
- Seamless Integration: The trials focused on “shortcuts”—connecting the hearts of coastal communities where traditional ferries are too slow or wake-heavy to operate efficiently.
- Scalability: While the EF-12 serves as a water taxi, eyes are now on the EF-24 Passenger ferry, capable of carrying 150 people, as the future workhorse for the Salish Sea and beyond.
While Artemis tackles mass transit, a Canadian startup is leading the charge in the recreational and luxury sectors. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, ENVGO is proving that Canada doesn’t just adopt foiling technology—we build it.
Their flagship vessel, the NV1, is a 100% electric, AI-powered hydrofoiling cruiser designed specifically for the unique conditions of the Great Lakes and the Canadian cottage country. Following successful demonstrations in Toronto Harbour throughout 2025, the NV1 is set for its major production launch at the 2026 Toronto International Boat Show.
Whether it’s a 150-passenger ferry or a 6-person lake cruiser, the message is clear: The future of Canadian marine travel is out of the water. To further illustrate the scope of this opportunity, it is helpful to look at how these two leaders compare and the sheer scale of the markets they are set to disrupt.
Competitive Edge: Artemis vs. ENVGO
While both companies use hydrofoiling to “fly” above the water, they serve two distinct but equally vital segments of the Canadian maritime industry.
| Feature | Artemis EF-12 Escape | ENVGO NV1 |
| Primary Use | Commercial / Water Taxi | Recreational / Luxury Cruiser |
| Origin | Belfast, UK (Active Pilots in BC) | Waterloo, Ontario (Canadian) |
| Top Speed | 30 knots (~55 km/h) | Up to 80 km/h |
| Range | ~96 km (at 25 knots) | Up to 130 km |
| Capacity | 12 Passengers + 2 Crew | 6 Passengers |
| Charging | 60 mins (DC Fast Charge) | Level 3 DC Fast Support |
| Key Tech | eFoiler® Integrated Drivetrain | AI-Native Flight Control |
The shift toward hydrofoiling isn’t just a trend; it is a response to massive economic and environmental pressures in the North American maritime sector.
1. The Ferry & Transit Sector (Public & Commercial)
North America is currently the largest market for passenger ferries globally.
- Market Size: The North American passenger ferry market is valued at approximately $5.11 billion USD as of 2024 and is projected to grow steadily.
- The Canadian Giant: BC Ferries alone carried a record 22.7 million passengers and 9.7 million vehicles in fiscal 2025.
- Hydrofoil Impact: Hydrofoil-based services are currently expanding at a 10.45% CAGR—nearly triple the growth rate of traditional hull designs. As fuel costs rise and carbon mandates (like the IMO 2030 targets) tighten, hydrofoiling is the only technology that allows high-speed electric transit over long distances.
2. The Recreational Marine Sector (Private & Tourism)
Canada’s leisure boat market is one of the fastest-growing in the world.
- Market Size: The Canadian leisure boat market reached over $5.6 billion USD in 2023 and is on track to hit $8.1 billion by 2030.
- Economic Impact: In North America, recreational boating has an annual economic impact of over $230 billion.
- The “Clean Tech” Pivot: With the removal of the luxury tax on boats in the 2025 Federal Budget, Canadian manufacturers like ENVGO are positioned to capture a “next-gen” buyer who prioritizes sustainability without sacrificing the performance of a high-speed cruiser.
The “flying” revolution is more than just a feat of engineering; it is a fundamental shift in how we relate to the water. By mastering “The Pressure and The Push,” companies like Artemis Technologies and ENVGO are proving that we no longer have to choose between speed and sustainability.
There is a unique opportunity to lead the North American $5 billion ferry market. By investing in “Green Shipping Corridors” and supporting homegrown clean-tech startups, we can ensure that the next generation of maritime jobs stays right here in Canada.
For Canada—a nation defined by its vast coastlines and 250,000 lakes—this technology is the key to unlocking a cleaner, more efficient future. Whether it’s a commuter crossing Lake Ontario in 45 minutes or a family gliding silently across a northern lake without leaving a wake, the benefits are undeniable. We are standing at the edge of a new era where our “blue highways” finally rival our asphalt ones.
