The Vessev VS—9 electric hydrofoiling vessel in Auckland, New Zealand, will accept its first passengers from 29 January 2025.
Sustainable marine technology company Vessev has announced its VS—9 hydrofoil vessel has received commercial approval from Maritime New Zealand.
It will now join the fleet of tourism vessels operated by Fullers360, an Auckland ferry operator, and New Zealand’s largest, making it the world’s first certified tourism electric hydrofoil.
Designed and built by Vessev, the nine-metre vessel can transport up to 10 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots.
With precision-engineered hydrofoiling technology adapted from race-winning America’s Cup yachts, the VS-9 is able to achieve a range of up to 50 nautical miles (93km).
According to Vessev, the propulsion system uses approximately 55kW while cruising at 25 knots – the equivalent of just over 70hp. It claims that this is unheard of for a vessel of this size with a full standing height cabin.
The vast majority of hydrofoiling...