Sydney next to welcome electric hydrofoiling vessels
Vessev has signed a commercial agreement to deliver multiple VS–12 electric hydrofoiling vessels into Sydney, supporting a future water transport network for Sydney Harbour.
The network aims to complement existing public transport infrastructure by increasing capacity on waterways without adding significant noise, emissions or shoreline impact, and will support plans to electrify the city.
The agreement marks another step in the company’s Australian expansion following recent partnership announcements in Hobart and Perth.
The VS–12 builds on the operational learnings of the commercially operating VS–9 platform and has been designed to further improve the efficiency and commercial viability of high frequency passenger services.
Using carbon fibre hydrofoils to lift the hull above the water, the vessels dramatically reduce drag, enabling lower energy consumption and a smoother, quieter passenger experience compared with conventional boats. The technology also produces virtually no wake, helping minimise shoreline erosion. See video of the VS–9 vessel in action.
Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann said the company sees hydrofoiling technology as an opportunity to expand how cities use their waterways by enabling smaller, more frequent and lower-impact transport networks.
“The opportunity with electric hydrofoiling goes far beyond simply replacing one fuel source with another,” Laakmann said. “What we’re really talking about is a completely new model for how cities use their waterways and how people move, something much closer to a subway system on the water, with more routes, more departure points and more frequent services.
“For decades, cities have relied on smaller, more frequent and more agile transit networks on land because it’s the most effective way to move people. We believe waterways can evolve in the same way. The smaller scale of vessels like the VS–9 and VS–12 is what makes this possible.
“Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most iconic waterways and has the opportunity to become a global showcase for next-generation sustainable marine transport. We’re thrilled to be part of that journey.”
The VS–9 vessel is being showcased to media, industry and transport stakeholders in June during a series of on-water preview experiences on Sydney Harbour.
The vessels are also expected to operate on the Swan River in Perth, through a partnership with the Enautic Group, initially focused on premium tourism experiences including Swan Valley cruises, twilight sailings and private charters, with longer-term plans to explore commuter applications.
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