New Zealand electricity company to operate hydrofoil shuttle ferry

New Zealand-based power generation company Meridian Energy has unveiled its plans to operate an electric hydrofoil shuttle ferry as a daily transport vessel for its staff and contractors.

The vessel will be a variant of the 12-metre hydrofoil ferry prototype originally developed by Candela Speed Boat of Sweden. It will be used to transport personnel via Lake Manapouri to and from Manapouri Power Station, one of the largest hydropower stations in New Zealand.

Tania Palmer, Meridian’s General Manager of Generation, said the ferry will help reduce emissions from internal transport, contributing to Meridian’s goal of halving its emissions by 2030.

The new ferry will be capable of smoother rides thanks to a flight control system that helps maintain stability by reducing pitching and slamming. The flight controller uses sensors to measure the wave height in front of the vessel and then adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle of attack up to 100 times per second to provide a smooth ride over them.

Candela expects the hydrofoil ferry to be in operation on Lake Manapouri by 2025, replacing an earlier diesel-powered vessel.