New Zealand’s win-win-win electric hydrofoiling tour boat
New Zealand is the latest country to introduce an electric hydrofoiling ferry service. Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry transport and tourism operator has launched the Vessev VS-9, the first time in the world that a certified electric hydrofoiling vessel has entered the fleet of a commercial operator, as opposed to publicly-owned municipal transport.
The 9m (29.5 ft) “Kermadec” will carry up to 10 passengers on 40 minute tours around Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, with its panoramic views of the city skyline, then under the Harbour Bridge to the pristine waters of the Huaraki Gulf, dotted with islands that are home to everything from wineries to wildlife sanctuaries to volcanoes.
Read: Vessev VS-9 passes tests ‘with flying colours’
“This tourist ferry is a total game-changer for our fleet and our passengers,” said Tim O’Halloran, Chief Commercial Officer at Fullers360. “Its innovative design and sustainable operation are perfectly suited to Auckland’s vibrant maritime landscape, and we are excited to welcome our first passengers onboard”.
The ferry brings a few advantages to Fullers360 and its passengers that fossil fuel burners can’t compete with, all due to electric propulsion and hydrofoiling. The electric propulsion means zero emissions into the air or the delicate waters the Kermadec travels over. Hydrofoiling brings other benefits.
A hydrofoil is a winglike structure mounted on struts below the hull. As the water passes over the hull, it creates lift – similar to an airplane wing – and the entire hull rises above the water.
By raising the hull out of the water, the energy to propel the boat is reduced by 80%. That is true of any hydrofoiling boat, but is particularly important for an electric vessel, where the weight of the batteries is always an important consideration.
Using 1/5 of the energy means 1/5th of the battery weight can achieve the same distance and speed as a non-foiling boat of similar size. Battery size is obviously related to battery price, so the cost of the battery is also considerably less than it would be for an electric hull-in-water boat.
Electric hydrofoiling tour boat pays for itself in short time
One way to think about battery cost is that it is like paying for all of a boat’s fuel in advance. That initial cost is ‘financed’ by the savings of not having to pay for fossil fuel fill ups. The savings mount up very quickly for a ferry in constant use, and after the battery is paid for electric charging costs dramatically less than burning fuel. Electric motors also have very low maintenance costs.
Then there is passenger comfort. “Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake” explains Erik Laakmaan, CEO of Vessev. “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.”
As with the the Candela P-12 electric hydrofoiling ferry that recently went started commuter service in Stockholm, Sweden, the VS-9 uses sophisticated sensors and technology that adjust the foils continuously to account for water, wave and wind conditions and assure a smooth ride.
Read: World’s first electric hydrofoiling ferry service takes flight in Sweden
The Kermadec has a spacious, modern interior designed for comfort and convenience, with panoramic windows to take in all of the views. She has a service speed of 25 knots (29 mph / 46 kmh) with a range of 50 nautical miles (57 mi / 92.6 km).for stunning views of Auckland’s iconic harbour.
Better passenger experience. Lower operating costs. Lower maintenance costs. Zero emissions. The V-9 is a win-win-win for the customer, Fullers360, and the Auckland environment. ” In the future, we are going to see many different use cases made viable by technology like this” adds Laakman.
‘Confidence that the world can be more livable in 20 years’
Vessev was founded in 2018 by Max Olson, a New Zealand native who previously co-founded Halter, a cattle collar for virtual fencing. At that time Laakmann was at Apple, becoming an engineering program leader for the Apple Watch. Six product launches later, he left to fulfill a lifelong dream of sailing across the Pacific and met Olson after arriving in Auckland in 2020.
The Vessel website says “What drives us is simple – we want to give the next generation confidence that the world can be more liveable in 20 years’ time than it is today – better commutes, fewer cars on the roads, new routes to affordable housing, closer connections with nature, clean air and clean water.”
Vessev’s team experience spans key industries and technologies. They have built America’s Cup-winning racing yachts, delivered orbital rockets into space, created iconic international technology products, earned PhD’s in hydrodynamics/control theory, and collectively built and designed hundreds of boats including a number of world-first electric vessels. Together, the team have covered hundreds of thousands of miles at sea.
Fullers360 was inspired by a Hauraki Gulf sailing trip and founded in 1981. It is now New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, carrying six million people every year. It is fiercely committed to preserving and protecting the Gulf and has taken on the role of ‘kaitiaki’ – committed guardians of the environment.
100 seat electric hydrofoiling commuter ferry in the works
Its NetZero Maritime division is a dedicated decarbonization team that has recognized the need for cities and operators around the world to transition to zero emissions technology. In New Zealand the Kermadec’s zero-emission propulsion system supports the country’s broader sustainability goals, aligning with the government’s vision for greener transportation networks.
As Vessev and Fullers360 continue to collaborate, they aim to inspire further advancements in marine sustainability and innovation across the globe with the VS–18, a 100-seater electric hydrofoiling commuter ferry, on the drawing board.
Vessev Fullers360
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