Sustainable marine technology startup Vessev has showcased its VS-9 electric hydrofoil, complete with cabin and interior, for the first time as it enters the final phase of sea trials ahead of commercial certification. Production has begun, with the first vessel to enter commercial service with Fullers360, the largest ferry operator in New Zealand.

Founded in 2018 by CTO Max Olson, Vessev’s purpose is to “Propel a More Liveable World” to provide greater access to waterways, better commutes, reductions in road traffic, new routes to affordable housing, closer connections with nature, better tourism experiences, and clean air and clean waters. It is developing high-efficiency electric hydrofoiling technology for the commercial marine space, combining technology created for sport sailing with vehicle electrification and robotics into what it says is an entirely new class of vessels.

Based in New Zealand, the company is led by CEO Eric Laakmann and Olson. Its team members’ experience spans key industries and technologies from earning PhD’s in hydrodynamics/control theory and building America’s Cup-winning racing yachts, to delivering orbital rockets into space and creating technology products. They have collectively built and designed hundreds of boats including several world-first electric vessels.

Water-transport startup Vessev today revealed its VS-9 hydrofoiling vessel and it announced it is partnering with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, to introduce the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland and the first hydrofoiling tourism vessel to operate in the world.

 

A different approach

While traditional commercial passenger vessels have tended toward being larger for greater comfort, Vessev’s vision for the platform underpinning the VS-9 is said to represent a different approach. Thanks to a unique blend of cabin design and comfort, the VS-9 experience is said to be more similar to flying than power boating, according to the company.

“Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake,” said Laakmann. “By flying above the waves, the VS-9 delivers a large vessel experience on an agile platform that can be berthed and charged in nearly any marina.”

The vessel is stabilized at low speeds by its foiling technology below the waterline. As the vessel accelerates, the foils enable the carbon-fiber hull to rise out of the water, where it skims 50 cm (20 in) above, clear of turbulent waves and wake.

“Through enhanced comfort and reduced operating costs, the VS-9 platform delivers an entirely new transportation experience that hasn’t truly been viable until today,” he said. While very large multi-passenger ferries are here to stay, “they will be augmented with point-to-point services delivered by vessels such as the VS-9. It’s like introducing a limo into a world of buses.”

Opening up new opportunities for water transport and tourism, the 9-m vessel—technically 8.95-m (29.4-ft) long—can transport ten passengers and a one-skipper crew at a service speed of 25 kts (46 km/h).

“Flying on the VS-9’s foils and relaxing into its stylish interior is an unmatched feeling,” said Mike Horne, CEO of Fullers360. “We are thrilled to see the vessel progress further toward taking its first commercial journey on the Waitematā. Introducing the VS-9 into the Fullers360 fleet and eventually bringing larger electric foiling vessels to life is incredibly exciting for our industry.”

The VS-9 was designed and built by Vessev with input from Fullers360 and its decarbonization team NetZero Maritime.

“In designing the VS-9 transportation configuration, we knew that we wanted to create something that highlights the unique advantages of this technology,” said Laakmann. “She includes stylish seating for 10 where easy conversation can flow between guests while quietly gliding to their destination. The full-standing height cabin also includes wraparound glass with panoramic views of the environment around them.”

The cabin is said to be inspired by private jet travel and premium automotive marques such as Rivian, with quality materials and ergonomic seats.

“Our objective for the VS-9 was to create something that is beautifully utilitarian,” said Alain Brideson, Vessev’s Lead Designer. “Using the tools of the premium automotive segment, every surface of the VS-9 has been carefully crafted to emanate quality. The entire exterior harmoniously embeds functionality into a clean and balanced form. The interior was all about reducing to the bare essentials and ensuring the cabin is open and flowing.”

 

Sea trials commence

The VS-9 entered the water for the first time in May and was relaunched in the completed configuration in August at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina where it is undergoing robust sea trials before gaining certification by Maritime New Zealand.

The VS-9 is constructed using carbon-fiber laminates and weighs 4 t (4.4 ton) fully loaded. The battery-electric vessel has a range of 50 nmi (93 km) at its 25-knot cruising speed and a top speed of 30 kts (55 km/h). It can be charged at up to 90 kW.

Vessev’s engineers used some of the same techniques employed by winning America’s Cup teams to make its systems ultra-efficient and resilient. The VS-9’s ultra-high authority hydrofoil system’s foils change shape using high-precision flaps under the water to optimize efficiency. This enables the vessel to handle adverse weather and is claimed to provide far better seakeeping than other technologies.

The foil stabilization systems enter operation at 12 kts (22 km/h), actively reducing pitch and roll motion even when not fully on foils and “flying.” The VS-9 takes off at 18-19 kts (33-35 km/h), transitioning from foil assist to full foiling mode, and cruises with optimum efficiency between 22-25 kts (41-46 km/h).

The foils are fully retractable, which enables the vessel to operate in shallow water and protect the foils so the vessel can be transported on a trailer.

 

Scalable platform

While the initial VS-9 is configured for premium transportation experiences, the platform has been designed to be flexible and scalable. Being a catamaran with a flat wing deck from bow to stern presents many different options for configuration.

“We knew that the VS-9 would attract interest from several arms of the marine industry, but what we didn’t know was how quickly that would happen—from the passenger transportation space and eco-resort transfer vessels to tenders for larger yachts, and of course, water limos,” added Laakmann. “In the recreational sector, we’ve already fielded many inquiries and we’re excited to launch different variations of the VS-9 in support of boaters who also want to propel a more liveable world.”

Vessev is working through further enhancements to the vessel’s performance and applying the learnings to plans for larger foiling vessels with a capacity for more passengers and suitable for a range of routes. The team at Vessev is now scaling its operation with multiple products in development.

Intended for premium tourism services, the first VS-9 signifies a defining moment in the global transition to maritime sustainability, according to its maker.

“Today, very few people in the world will have been aboard an electric hydrofoiling vessel,” concluded Laakmann. “Ten years from now though, as this becomes the new way that we move on the water, that is all going to change.”