Vessev, a leader in sustainable marine innovation, announce that the first Vessev VS-9 foiling ferry, named Kermadec, has entered commercial service with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry transport and tourism operator. Starting today, the Vessev VS–9 will carry passengers on tourism trips across Auckland’s waterways, setting new standards for innovation and sustainability in marine tourism. This is the first time in the world that a certified electric foiling vessel has entered the fleet of an operator for commercial services.
Unlocking entirely new opportunities for premium passenger transport on the water, the nine-meter, modern electric VS–9 foiling ferry will transport passengers at a service speed of 25 knots, providing an experience more akin to flying than sailing.
Propelled by type approved battery packs, the VS–9 has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) thanks to precision engineered hydrofoiling technology adapted from race winning 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”.
Laakmann continued, “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”.
The Vessev VS–9 foiling ferry boasts a spacious, modern interior designed for comfort and convenience, complete with panoramic windows for stunning views of Auckland’s iconic harbour. Additionally, the ferry’s zero-emission propulsion system supports New Zealand’s broader sustainability goals, aligning with the government’s vision for greener transportation networks.
The Vessev VS–9 will unlock new opportunities on the water that haven’t been possible until now. Thanks to foiling innovations below the waterline and new level of energy efficiency, the Vessev VS–9 will represent 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.
Laakmann continued: “Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake. 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. In the future, we are going to see many different use cases made viable by technology like this.
“The Vessev VS–9 is a 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 commercial launch of the Vessev VS–9 marks the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable marine transportation. 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.
Passengers can now experience the future of sustainable marine tourism by boarding the Vessev VS–9, which offers tours of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and pristine waters of the Gulf Wednesday to Sunday with sailings at 10am and 2pm. To book your journey, visit the Fullers360 website.
