New Zealand-based marine technology company Vessev is expanding into Australia through a partnership with the Enautic Group. Several VS–9 electric hydrofoiling passenger vessels have been reserved for operation on Perth’s Swan River, with deliveries expected in early 2027.
Highlights
- Vessev’s VS–9 is one of only three commercially certified electric hydrofoiling vessels in operation globally, with two units logging nearly 10,000 nautical miles to date.
- The vessels will initially serve premium tourism routes on Perth’s Swan River, including wine cruises, twilight sailings, and private charters, with commuter service planned for the future.
- At 25 knots cruise speed, the VS–9 bypasses the 5–8 knot restrictions that limit conventional ferries on much of the river.
- The 29-foot electric catamaran consumes up to 90% less energy than a traditional vessel of similar size.
Perth’s Swan River as a Transport Corridor
The VS–9s will operate under Enautic’s AquaFlights brand, which currently offers hydrofoiling experiences including e-foil scooter and Waveflyer boat hire. The project is led by aerospace engineer and entrepreneur Josh Portlock, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Enautic Group.
Portlock said electric hydrofoiling represented a major opportunity to rethink how cities use their waterways. He added that starting with premium tourism allows passengers to experience the technology firsthand while building toward a commuter transport model.
“Hydrofoiling is what makes electric water transport genuinely viable. It delivers the speed, range and sustainability you need without compromise,” Portlock said.
VS–9 Specifications and Performance
The VS–9 is a 29-foot electric hydrofoiling catamaran equipped with carbon fiber foils. It cruises at 25 knots with a range of up to 50 nautical miles. Its hydrofoil design produces virtually no wake, a key advantage over conventional displacement-hull ferries.
Traditional large commercial ferries are typically restricted to 5–8 knots along much of the Swan River. The VS–9’s low-wake profile at higher speeds could enable significantly faster point-to-point travel times on waterways with similar restrictions.
Growing Global Interest in Electric Hydrofoiling
Vessev CEO and Co-Founder Eric Laakmann said the Australian expansion reflected broader global momentum for electric hydrofoiling technology.
“We’re seeing cities around the world rediscovering their waterways because of what electric hydrofoiling unlocks,” Laakmann said. “Australia is a natural fit, and businesses like the Enautic Group are leading that shift.”
Vessev said it is working with classification societies and local regulatory bodies to ensure the vessels meet all Australian compliance requirements ahead of the 2027 delivery timeline.
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