Demonstrating Superior Seakeeping Prowess.
Vessev, a pioneering company developing electric foiling vessels, has successfully completed the initial testing phase of its VS—9 platform, showcasing exceptional seakeeping capabilities in challenging conditions. The VS—9 is designed to revolutionise the way we move on the water. The first vessels will be used in commercial service delivering premium private water transportation augmenting existing ferry fleets. Fullers360 – the largest ferry operator in New Zealand – is the first customer.
The first VS—9 platform was launched on May 10th and 24 test sessions have already been completed in the initial validation campaign. “We have been pushing the VS—9 less than two weeks after its first flight and she has been ticking all the boxes and more,” said Eric Laakmann Vessev CEO. “On some of our test sessions, we had 25 knots gusting 35 with wind waves to match and she was cruising over the waves. The sea-state in these photos and videos had waves averaging 0.75m but a few wave faces were over 1.0m.
“While the VS—9 didn’t have any issues operating in these sea-states, it was next to impossible for the 9m chase boat to follow along without slamming through wave after wave. This was a testament to the difference that these vessels can make in our experiences on the water and the new opportunities that they unlock.” Vessev attributes this remarkable performance to its innovative foiling system, which uses some of the same techniques employed by winning America’s Cup teams to make its systems ultra-efficient and resilient. These initial tests focused on evaluating the VS—9’s core functionality before final outfitting with the cabin and interior, which will be added in July before the VS-9 is relaunched in August.
Designed and built by Vessev (formerly Seachange) the VS—9 delivers smooth and quiet travel on the water like never before. The state-of-the-art vessel is currently undergoing sea trials out of Auckland, New Zealand, and the first VS-9 will be certified this year, entering commercial operation with New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, thereafter. The nine-meter VS—9 will transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots providing an experience that is more like flying than sailing. The VS-9 has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) thanks to state-of-the-art efficient hydrofoiling technology. Vessev’s expert team of marine engineers and boat builders, combined with Fullers360’s NetZero Maritime decarbonization team, has ensured the VS-9 is designed and built to align seamlessly with commercial and tourism transport requirements. Intended for premium tourism services the VS—9 signifies a defining moment in Auckland’s decarbonisation journey as the city welcomes its first fully electric passenger vessel.
