World’s First Premium Tourism Electric Hydrofoil is Revealed by Vessev

Vessev, a developer of sustainable marine technology, has unveiled its VS—9 electric hydrofoil, complete with cabin and interior, for the first time. The nine-meter VS—9 can transport 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots.

Inside, the new cabin is inspired by private jet travel as well as premium automotive marques, such as Rivian.

Production of the VS—9 is already underway.

The first vessel will enter the commercial service of the largest ferry operator in New Zealand – Fullers360.

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

Vessev CEO, Eric Laakmann, says: “Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake. 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.

He adds: “One way of looking at the impact of this vessel is that our waterways today are like roadways, where the only comfortable mode of transportation are very large multi-passenger buses – i.e. ferries. These large vessels are here to stay, but 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.

Vessev’s lead designer, Alain Brideson, comments: “Our objective for the VS—9 was to create something that is beautifully utilitarian. 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.”

Vessev's VS—9 entered the water for the first time in May of this year 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.