Eric Laakmannwho once led the engineering program for the original Apple Watch, has become something of the godfather of ferries, as CEO of the marine technology company Vessev.
With Laakman at the helm, the New Zealand-based company on Monday unveiled the VS-9called the “world’s first premium electric touring hydrofoil boat”. Following an initial period of testing now taking place in Aukland, once certified later this year, Vessev expects the VS-9 to enter commercial service through Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator.
“Our intention is for Fullers360 to be 100% powered by electricity or hydrogen by 2040 and foiling is absolutely part of that vision for us,” Mike Horne, CEO of Fullers360, said in a statement.
The VS-9, from 8.8 meters in lengthcan carry up to 10 passengers plus a skipper at a maximum speed of about 30 knots, or 34.5 miles per hour, with a cruising range of between 40-50 nautical miles, or 46-57 miles.
Unlike a conventional boat that floats on the surface of the water, a hydrofoil floats just above the surfacewhich usually provides a more comfortable trip since it is not as affected by the onslaught of the waves.
In the case of the VS-9, the company boasts the construction of the foils themselves as a key differentiator that further improves passenger control and comfort, while improving energy consumption.
The VS-9 uses what Vessev describes as ultra-high authority hydrofoil systems, in which the foils change shape using high-precision fins underwater to optimize efficiency, based in part on technology used in sailboats. the America’s Cup.
Vessev worked with Fullers360 and ferry operator “decarbonization” partner NetZeroMaritime to develop the VS-9.
“The ability to completely lift the foils out of the water is a design element we are especially proud of. We were told it would be impractical, but we have delivered a system that makes it easier for operators to maintain immaculate foils for maximum efficiency. As far as we know, the VS 9 will be the only certified electric passenger hydrofoil in the world capable of doing so,” Laakmann said in a statement.
The Vessev VS-9 is not the first electric hydrofoil to be used as a ferry.
Last March, San Francisco, California-based startup Navier began providing a water taxi service using one of its six-passenger N30 high-speed electric hydrofoils to transport employees. of financial infrastructure platform company Stripe to and from Larkspur in Marin County to Oyster Point near the company’s headquarters in south San Francisco, about 14 miles each way.
The N30, however, is largely marketed as a pleasure craft for private use.
Acknowledging the fact that there are what he called a “handful” of electric recreational hydrofoil boats on the market, Laakmann maintains in email responses to our questions that “there are no vessels of this type that have passed inspection for use in commercial passenger applications”.
Laakmann bases Vassev’s claim of being the “world’s first tourist hydrofoil” on both the features of the VS-9 and the agreement with Fullers360, explaining: “We will be the first in the world to certify a boat of this type for use by passengers in commercial applications (tourism and point-to-point maritime services). “The VS-9 will be the first electric hydrofoil operated in commercial service by a private operator (Fullers360).”
Laakmann notes that the VS-9 contains additional attributes for commercial use including:
- Full battery structural fire protection and security systems.
- Designs reviewed and approved by regulators (load cases, structural design, electrical system, etc.).
- DNV-GL design standards. “Much more significant security systems.”
Several VS-9s have already been sold with a starting price of $620,000, according to Laakmann, who stated: “We call it the “Rivian of the sea.”in reference to the American brand of electric trucks and SUVs.
Vessev is now developing the VS-18, with a capacity for 100 passengers. In fact, just as the automobile industry is increasingly leaning towards electric vehicles to improve the environment and reduce fossil fuel consumption, the nautical sector is following suit for certain segments of nauticalin particular, electric hydrofoils.
“There are currently 33 million boats in the world, of which sustainable ones represent the smallest fraction,” says Laakmann. “Through significant efficiency improvements, hydroplaners will play a key role in this once-in-a-generation shift.”
