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The first electric hydrofoiling vessel to be produced by marine company Vessev, the VS-9, began sea trials on the Hauraki Gulf at the end of last month.
Vessev is partnering with ferry operator Fullers360 in the hope that it could become the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland, moving Fullers closer to its zero emissions target. NetZero Maritime, Fullers360’s specialist maritime green technology and innovation team, has played a pivotal role in the adoption of this new type of vessel.
The carbon fibre VS-9 has been designed to handle more wind and bigger seas than similar systems, using America’s Cup yacht technology, which means it has potential for commercial runs on outer harbour ferry routes such as Gulf Harbour. Hydrofoiling extends its range, which is currently 50 nautical miles at 25 knots (around four trips to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland). It can be charged using existing infrastructure.
The VS-9 is undergoing on-water testing with a petrol-powered chase boat following and doing the same motions and distance. At the end of each day, the cost of the petrol fuelling the chase boat is 25 times the cost of the electricity used to charge the VS-9.
Once sea trials are complete, the VS-9 will be fitted with a cabin top and interiors and certification will be sought from Maritime NZ. After that, the 10-passenger boat can begin service as a tourism vessel.
Larger, 100-passenger, 18m vessels are on Vessev’s drawing board, which would be suitable for outer harbour routes. That is some time away, but a Fullers spokesperson says the larger vessel could be a solution for the future of outer harbour ferry service reliability and customer experience.
Fullers360 chief executive, Mike Horne, says the partnership with Vessev is part of its transition to zero emission solutions.
“It’s our intention for Fullers360 to be 100 percent electric or hydrogen operated by 2040 and foiling is part of that,” he says.
Last year a number of companies with electric ferry capabilities showed interest in the Gulf Harbour ferry route (HM September 4, 2023), including Webbco’s fully electric ferry and the Ocean Flyer seagliders.
Auckland Transport (AT), which contracts the current Gulf Harbour ferry service to Fullers, is considering the future of the route as part of its Regional Public Transport Plan, with a decision due next year.
Fullers says it’s too early to say how the launch of the VS-9 may impact Auckland Transport’s decision making, but it remains open to discussing long-term solutions.
Auckland Transport declined to comment.
