Vessev VS-9 commercial electric hydrofoil underway

Overview

Certified low-wake foiling for commercial routes

Vessev’s 8.95-metre VS-9 is a certified electric hydrofoil carrying up to 1,000 kg at a 25-knot cruise with 40–50 NM range.

Year

2026

Boat Type

Commercial Electric Hydrofoil

Propulsion

Electric Hydrofoil

Location

New Zealand

About the VS-9

The Vessev VS-9 is an 8.95-metre electric hydrofoil engineered in New Zealand for tourism, transfers and other commercial duties. Its carbon-composite hull rises onto computer-controlled foils, reducing drag and wake while the onboard flight system continuously adjusts height, pitch and roll. Vessev lists a 25-knot cruise, 30-knot maximum and 40 NM at full load or 50 NM lightly loaded. Payload is up to 1,000 kg, with several layouts ranging from open-sided Hardtop to enclosed Cabin and six-seat Premier versions. A 105 kWh DNV-type-approved lithium-iron-phosphate battery supports both AC and DC charging. The foils retract for shallow access, storage and cleaning, while Vessev’s direct-drive VS-Drive uses active cooling for sustained operation. The VS-9 has Maritime New Zealand commercial certification and entered tourism service with Fullers360.

Best For

Premium tourism and resort guest transfers
Commercial operators needing low-wake, high-speed service on shorter routes

Performance in Context

Official range is 40 NM at cruise with full load and 50 NM lightly loaded. Vessev says the vessel foils automatically as speed rises and is designed for foiling in waves up to 0.75 m; conditions and configuration affect results.

Battery and Charging

The 105 kWh pack accepts up to 22 kW AC and 110 kW DC on the technical page. Vessev quotes as much as one nautical mile of added range per charging minute, but route planners should use the supplied charge curve and reserve policy.

Availability and Pricing

Vessev offers the VS-9 by direct quotation in Hardtop, Cabin, Premier and leisure-oriented configurations. Pricing is not public; commercial buyers should request certification scope, passenger layout, charging equipment, training, service and delivery terms.