Vessev’s VS–9 electric hydrofoiling boat begins passenger operations [Video]

Nascent electric hydrofoil boat builder Vessev shared another key milestone this week, putting its first electric hydrofoiling boat into commercial operations. Ferry transport company Fullers360 is now operating the ultra-efficient VS–9 vessel to transport tourists and other passengers.

Vessev is a young, eco-friendly boat builder founded in Auckland, New Zealand a few years ago. The company currently operates there and has been conducting sea trials of its flagship vessel, an electric hydrofoiling boat called the VS–9, since coming out of stealth mode in May 2024.

We have been following the marine startup as it moved closer to reaching commercial operations and tourism with its unique electric hydrofoiling boat that “flies” above the water. Last year, we learned that Vessev has lined up its first customer in NetZero Maritime – the green technology team at Fullers360 – New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, who signed on to help commercialize the hydrofoil technology.

This past September, Vessev shared images and footage of its first completed VS–9 electric hydrofoiling boat build alongside news that it would begin transporting passengers in New Zealand as soon as certification was complete.

Last we heard, the VS–9 had entered the last phase of sea trails before beginning commercial operations and had even started selling ride tickets to the public. Today, Vessev confirmed that electric hydrofoil rides are operational in New Zealand and shared some video footage of the experience.

Vessev’s first hydrofoiling boat transports tourists in NZ

As promised, Vessev’s first electric hydrofoiling boat has begun commercial ferry operations in Auckland, New Zealand, with Fullers360. The quiet, sustainable vessel has been dubbed “Kermadec” and is now transporting passengers on tourism trips across Auckland’s waterways.

According to Vessev, this is the first time in the world that a certified electric hydrofoiling boat has entered a commercial fleet for transport services. Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann elaborated:

We are incredibly proud to see the Vessev VS–9 enter service with Fullers360. The VS—9 is the first electric vessel to enter the Fullers360 fleet and represents an enormous step on their path to being net zero by 2040. For the public, we’re thrilled that they can now also share in what we’ve been experiencing since the launch of the VS—9 in May.

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 Vessev VS–9 delivers a large vessel experience on an agile platform that can be berthed and charged in nearly any marina. In the future, we are going to see many different use cases made viable by technology like this.

The VS–9 will transport its passengers at speeds up to 25 knots (~29 mph) and can travel up to 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) on a single charge. With its first electric hydrofoiling boat in operation, Vessev will look to deploy additional sustainable vessels, but that’s not all.

The company has shared plans to continue its collaboration with Fullers360 and eventually introduce a new vessel into service called VS–18 – a 100-seater electric hydrofoiling commuter ferry. While we await that model, here is some footage of the VS–9 in action: