Vessev, a maker of commercially certified electric hydrofoiling vessels, will trial its VS–9 passenger craft on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. The demonstration aims to assess how electric hydrofoil technology could address growing transport challenges in one of the country’s fastest-expanding cities.
Highlights
- Vessev will trial its VS–9 electric hydrofoiling vessel on Lake Wakatipu as part of a feasibility study into sustainable passenger transport between Queenstown and Kingston.
- The VS–9 is one of only two commercially certified electric hydrofoiling vessels in operation worldwide, with over a year of commercial service.
- The craft consumes up to 90% less energy than a conventional vessel of similar size, cruising at 25 knots with a range of up to 50 nautical miles.
- The trial supports Queenstown’s ambition to become the world’s first fully electrified city, exploring how waterway transport could ease road congestion.
Trial Scope and Stakeholders
The trial, scheduled for February 10, is led by residential developer Kingston Village in partnership with Vessev and regional stakeholders. It will evaluate travel times, passenger experience, and operational factors specific to Lake Wakatipu. Results will feed into a broader feasibility study planned for later this year.
Queenstown faces familiar urban mobility pressures. Road expansion around the lake is constrained, and growing tourism and residential demand continue to strain existing infrastructure.
Why Queenstown
Vessev CEO and Co-Founder Eric Laakmann pointed to the city’s global profile and rapid growth as key factors.
“Queenstown is growing, and with that comes congestion and longer commute times,” Laakmann said. “The lake itself presents an opportunity. Electric hydrofoiling gives us a practical way to change that.”
Laakmann added that lifting vessels above the water enables fast, comfortable service across a wider range of conditions. He said the trial will demonstrate the technology’s viability for busy waterways worldwide.
Kingston Village Connection
Kingston Village General Manager Nicola Tristram said the trial reflects long-term livability planning. Kingston Village, owned by the Goodman Family, launched a year ago and sold 120 lots in record time.
“This trial will provide valuable insight into how lake transport could complement existing road and bus networks as well as the proposed cable car network,” Tristram said.
VS–9 Technical Specifications
The VS–9 is a 29-foot electric hydrofoiling catamaran built with a carbon fiber composite hull and carbon fiber foils. It delivers a smooth, quiet, low-wake ride powered entirely by battery electric propulsion through Vessev’s custom VS–Drive motor.
- Cruise speed: 25 knots
- Top speed: 30 knots
- Range (at cruise): Up to 40 nautical miles at full load / 50 NM at light load
- Seakeeping: Up to 2 feet 6 inches (0.75 m) waves
- Capacity: Up to 10 passengers
- Length: 29 feet 5 inches (8.95 m)
- Beam: 10 feet 2 inches (3.1 m)
- Draft: 1 foot 8 inches (0.5 m) to 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 m)
- Battery capacity: 105 kWh
- Charge rate: Up to 1.25 NM/min
- DC charging: Up to 150 kW
- AC charging: Up to 22 kW
- Propulsion: 100% battery electric (VS–Drive)
The VS–9 has been in commercial service for over a year. It remains one of only two electric hydrofoiling vessels with full commercial certification globally.
About Vessev
Vessev develops electric hydrofoiling vessels end to end from its Auckland headquarters. The company designs everything from hull and foils through propulsion and control systems in-house. The team draws experience from high-performance sailing, aerospace, and consumer technology. For more information, visit www.vessev.com.
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