PREVIEW

A specialist in sustainable marine technology has unveiled the world’s first electric hydrofoiling vessel, poised to create new opportunities for premium passenger transport on the water.

Vessev has partnered with New Zealand ferry operator Fullers360 to develop the VS-9, which will become the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland and the first hydrofoiling tourism vessel globally. The vessel is currently undergoing sea trials in Auckland, New Zealand, with the first VS-9 expected to be certified this year and to enter commercial operation with Fullers360 soon after.

The nine-meter VS-9 will transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots, with a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6 kilometers).

“We are in the earliest stage of a global transition to sustainable energy use,” said Eric Laakmann, Vessev CEO. “Our partnership with NetZero Maritime is one of the most powerful in the world in accelerating the adoption of new technologies. There are 33 million vessels in the world today with sustainable vessels representing the smallest fraction. Through significant enhancements in efficiency, hydrofoiling will play a key role in this once-in-a-generation shift.”

The VS-9 features ultra-high authority hydrofoil systems, where the foils change shape using high precision flaps under the water to optimise efficiency, enabling the VS-9 to handle adverse weather. Vessev’s engineers used techniques employed by winning America's Cup teams to make its systems ultra-efficient and resilient. The technology is designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 95 per cent, facilitating a range of up to 50 nautical miles at a service speed of 25 knots, and significantly reducing operational costs.

The foils allow the vessel to ride completely above the waves, providing a smooth passenger experience and enhancing its operational capability. The VS-9 takes off at 18-19 knots, transitioning from foil assist to full foiling mode, and cruises with optimum efficiency between 22-25 knots. The foil stabilisation systems operate at 12 knots, actively reducing pitch and roll motion, even when not fully on foils and ‘flying’. The foils are also fully retractable, enabling the vessel to operate in shallow water and protect the foils so the vessel can be transported on a trailer.

The VS-9 can be charged using existing electric charging infrastructure commonly available in most marinas, accelerating the speed of service. Once high-speed DC charging is in place, recharge times will be up to 0.8 nautical miles of range per minute of charging.

Using the design of the VS-9, Vessev is already working on further enhancements to the vessel’s performance and applying these to larger foiling vessels with capacity for more passengers suitable for a range of routes.

The VS-9 entered the water for the first time earlier this month at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina, where it is undergoing rigorous sea trials and risk mitigation testing before gaining certification by Maritime New Zealand. It is currently on track to be the first vessel of its kind in the world to be certified for commercial use.