VESSEL REVIEW | VS-9 – New Zealand tech firm unveils electric hydrofoil tour boat
Auckland, New Zealand-based marine technology company Vessev recently introduced an electric hydrofoil catamaran vessel designed to carry passengers.
The DNV-classed VS-9 has all-FRP construction, a length of 8.95 metres (29.3 feet), a displacement of 4.4 tonnes at full load, and seating for a helm operator and 10 passengers. It will be used primarily as a tour boat and as a point to point transport.
The all-electric propulsion will deliver a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 50 nautical miles at a service speed of 25 knots. Power is supplied by batteries equipped with fire protection systems and other safety features.
Hydrofoil technology inspired by racing boats
Because of the use of hydrofoils, the vessel’s hull can remain 50 cm (1.6 feet) above the surface of the water while underway, thus allowing the vessel itself to attain high transit speeds without being affected by waves even in bad weather. This then ensures a much more comfortable ride and little to no fatigue on the occupants.
The hydrofoils specially developed by Vessev for VS-9 are fitted with highly precise flaps that remain submerged. These flaps will enable the foils to change shape accordingly to become more efficient. Vessev based the hydrofoils’ operation on similar systems used on sailing vessels that participate in the America’s Cup races.
The foils can operate at 12 knots, and even at this low speed, active pitch and roll control will already be available. The transition from foil assist to full foiling mode occurs at around 18 knots, and optimum cruising is possible between 22 and 25 knots.
The foils can also be fully retracted, and these combined with the vessel’s compact size will allow it to berth at existing marinas without the need for additional custom infrastructure. The vessel is also trailer-transportable for greater flexibility with regards to deployment.
Scalable design for other transport applications
The interior has been laid out to provide space and comfort by combining ergonomic seats and armrests with quality materials and panoramic windows. The arrangement will allow guests to easily and comfortably converse with each other while underway, and the quiet electric propulsion means there is little interference from outside noise.
Even with the vessel’s compact size, the cabin can accommodate passengers at full standing height.
Vessev expects the first production example of the series to be in operation with local ferry company Fullers360 (which also contributed to the vessel’s design) before the end of the year. Future examples from the same series will provide room for customisation, allowing various interior layout options that will permit the vessels to also be used as resort shuttles and yacht tenders.
Development work on VS-9 is also aiding Vessev in its work on hydrofoil-equipped vessels that can each carry more passengers.
