Jordan A small, electric passenger ferry is beginning a three-year trial in Orkney.
The vessel uses new hydrofoil technology and could cut travel times between islands significantly.
The ferry has been built by Artemis Technologies in Belfast and the £15m trial is part of the Electric Orkney project – funded by the UK government's Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure (Zevi) fund.
If it is approved to carry passengers, the ferry will operate from Kirkwall to the islands of Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.
Orkney Ferries will begin testing the 12m (39ft) ferry this week to see how it performs in the sea conditions around the islands.
The hydrofoil technology lifts the hull of the vessel above the water, enabling it to travel at high speed.
If the Zevi boat performs well it is expected to begin carrying passengers later this summer.
"This is a trial and we need to find out how well this new technology will work here," said Orkney Islands councillor Melissa Thomson, who chairs Orkney Ferries.
"We are very hopeful this could be a game-changer for faster travel between the islands if things go well."
Service manager for Orkney Ferries, Eddie Barclay, said the Zevi boat would be put through its paces by experienced local mariners for the next two months.
"We need to see how it performs in different sea states and conditions," he said.
"The waters around Orkney can be challenging so it will certainly test her handling capabilities."
A second larger hydrofoil vessel is due to arrive in the islands at the end of this year.
A new fast electric charger is being installed at Kirkwall's harbour which will charge the Zevi's batteries in about one hour.
