New Zealand-based Vessev has announced its electric ferry has become the world’s first electric hydrofoil certified for tourism.
The ‘VS-9’ is a nine-metre vessel which ‘flies’ above water using hydrofoils to lift it above the surface. It can transport 10 passengers at a speed of 25 knots, allegedly cutting operational costs by up to 90%.
Having received commercial approval by the national regulatory body Maritime New Zealand, the VS-9 now joins the fleet of New Zealand’s largest ferry operator Fullers360.
“Hydrofoils lift the boat out of water and by lifting the boat out of the water we eliminate a tonne of drag,” Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann told Zag Daily. “There isn’t a comparable technology for automotive or aviation – there’s not something like this you can do to make a car or a plane dramatically more efficient. This really is a profound technology for the future of marine sustainability.”
The VS-9’s hydrofoiling technology is adapted from winning yachts used in the America’s Cup – the oldest international sporting competition. Using this technology, the VS-9 can travel for a range of up to 57 miles with its foils changing shape underwater to enable the vessel to handle adverse weather conditions. A propulsion system controls the rear foil, allowing for precise tuning whether the vessel is flying or operating on the hulls.
The VS-9 is designed to be easily scalable and can be charged using electric charging infrastructure available in most marinas.
Passengers can choose from an Electric Hydrofoil Experience at a cost of NZ $195 (€108), or a private charter at a cost of NZ $2,000 (€1,103). The company is further exploring expansion opportunities across Australia, Europe and Singapore.
Vessev is also developing a 100-passenger vessel using the same technology as the VS-9 which will serve other purposes such as commuting.
“If you go around asking folks if they’ve ridden in an electric car, a lot of people will say that they have,” Eric said. “Ten years from now, if you ask the same question about electric hydrofoil vessels, you’ll see infinitely more people raising their hands than today. This is a taste of what is to come in that space.”
