The Vessev VS–9 will carry passengers on tourism trips across Auckland’s waterways. It is the first time in the world that a certified electric hydrofoiling vessel has entered the fleet of an operator for commercial services.
The nine-metre, modern electric hydrofoiling VS–9 will transport passengers at a service speed of 25 knots, within a spacious, modern interior designed for comfort and convenience with panoramic windows.
It is propelled by type approved battery packs and has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6 km) thanks to precision engineered hydrofoiling technology adapted from America’s Cup racing yachts.
“We are incredibly proud to see the Vessev VS–9 enter service with Fullers360” said Eric Laakmann CEO of Vessev. “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. This new era of hydrofoiling vessels traces its origins to the efforts by Team New Zealand in the 2013 America’s Cup. It is fitting that today visitors to Auckland can now simply buy a ticket with Fullers360 to experience the new era of how we will move on the water.”
Foiling innovations below the waterline and increased energy efficiency will enable the vessel to deliver a significantly lower total cost of ownership than a comparable vessel with a displacement hull, be it ICE or electrically driven. In addition, the VS–9 can comfortably operate over a vast range of bodies of water and sea states, out of almost any marina in the world, and can also be transported over land via trailer.
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