If you think that the future of sustainable transportation is only about cars and trains, you are very wrong. In New Zealand, a small company called Vessev is proving that even the sea can become a place of eco-innovation. Their electric boat The VS–9, which recently entered commercial service, is the first in the world to be certified as a hydrofoil ferry. Quiet, efficient, and capable of carrying passengers over long distances, this vessel represents a huge step towards a zero-emissions future. What’s more, thanks to a partnership with Fullers360, one of the country’s leading ferry operators, Vessev is already planning to expand its fleet with even larger models. The sea will never be the same again.
A new era for maritime transport
Maritime transport has always been synonymous with noise, vibrations and, unfortunately, polluting emissions. But all this is changing thanks to innovations such as the electric boat VS–9 by Vessev. This vessel, designed and built in New Zealand, is the first in the world to use the hydroplane technology for commercial passenger transport. Thanks to its foils – underwater wings that lift the boat above the water – the VS–9 offers a quiet, smooth and incredibly energy-efficient travel experience.
“This is a milestone for the maritime sector,” he said. Eric Laakmann, CEO of Vessev. “Not only are we reducing emissions, but we are also demonstrating that sustainable transportation can be comfortable and efficient.”
The VS–9 It can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and has a range of approximately 92 km on a single charge. This makes her perfect for carrying tourists and commuters around Auckland waters, where she is currently in service with Fullers360, the region's leading ferry operator.
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But what makes the VS–9 so special? The heart of its innovation lies in the foils, thin wings positioned under the keel of the boat. As the VS–9 accelerates, the foils generate a lift force that lifts the boat out of the water, dramatically reducing drag and allowing it to “fly” above the waves. This not only improves energy efficiency, but also makes the ride incredibly comfortable, eliminating the vibrations and jolts typical of traditional boats.
“It’s like driving a sports car on the sea,” commented one passenger during one of the first public rides. “You feel almost no movement, just a feeling of weightlessness.”
Hydrofoil technology is not new, but until now it has been used mainly for racing or luxury boats. Vessev has managed to make it accessible and suitable for commercial transport, opening up new possibilities for the maritime sector.
A step towards sustainability
One of Vessev’s main goals is to reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport. Traditional boats, powered by diesel engines, are responsible for a significant amount of CO2 emissions and other pollutants. The VS–9, on the other hand, is fully electric and produces zero emissions during operation. This makes it an ideal alternative for urban and tourist transport, especially in sensitive areas such as the biodiversity-rich waters around Auckland.
Fullers360, the company that adopted the VS–9, said this is just the first of many initiatives aimed at making its fleet fully sustainable by 2040.
“We want to demonstrate that shipping can be green without sacrificing performance or comfort,” said a Fullers360 representative. “The VS–9 is just the beginning.”
A revolutionary travel experience
The VS–9 is not only a technological innovation, but also a unique travel experience. Passengers who have tried the boat describe the journey as something magical: silent, smooth and incredibly relaxing. This makes it perfect for tourism, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Auckland without disturbing the surrounding environment.
But the VS–9 isn’t just for tourists. Vessev is already working on a larger model, the VS–18, a 100-passenger hydrofoil ferry designed for urban commuting. This model could revolutionize the way people move around coastal cities, offering a fast, quiet, and sustainable alternative to traditional transportation.
Towards a sustainable future
The VS-9 is just the first step towards a future where maritime transport will be completely sustainable. Thanks to its energy efficiency and its ability to reduce emissions, this electric boat represents a model for the industry. But Vessev isn’t stopping there. The company is already exploring new uses for its technology, from cargo deliveries to sea rescue operations.
“The sea is our future,” said Eric Laakmann. “With innovations like the VS–9, we can make shipping part of the solution to environmental problems, rather than part of the problem.”
As the world looks for ways to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, the VS–9 proves that change is possible. Quiet, fast and sustainable, this electric boat is already changing the way we think about the sea. And this is just the beginning.