Vessev tested its VS-9 electric ferry in New York, a hydrofoil boat that lifts most of its hull above the water’s surface while moving, in an attempt to combine electric propulsion with a smoother and more efficient ride than conventional boats.
The boat is about 30 feet long and appears externally like a conventional catamaran, but two hydrofoils beneath its hull lift it as speed increases. Vessev uses computer-controlled submerged fins to maintain stability and smooth the transition between conventional sailing and movement above the foils. The front foil provides most of the lift, while the rear foil contributes about 20%; the latter contains the electric motor, which the company manufactures in-house. The batteries, meanwhile, are purchased from external suppliers.
What changes in practice?
Lifting the hull away from the water reduces drag, an important factor particularly for electric boats that depend on every available kilowatt-hour. During the test, the ride felt more like driving a sports car than flying, but the transition was quieter and smoother than on conventional boats, which begin pounding against the water as speed increases.
This technology does not mean that the ferry is suitable for every marine environment. The VS-9 system works best when wave height does not exceed about 2.5 feet, or 0.75 meters. When waves rise above that level, they begin striking the hull, disrupting the smoothness of the ride and reducing some of the efficiency gains. Rivers, lakes, and bays therefore appear more suitable than the open ocean.
Who benefits from the technology?
Vessev is initially targeting transport operators, believing that combining electric propulsion with hydrofoil technology could reduce operating costs for small boats and make them comfortable enough to complement urban public-transport networks. According to the company’s proposition, boats of this type could carry passengers between New York and Brooklyn or Queens without the need to build significant new infrastructure.
Other early markets include hotels and sightseeing-tour companies. Public demonstrations have also attracted wealthy individuals looking for a different recreational boat, reflecting the fact that broad commercial use has not yet been proven.
Funding and the next step
Vessev raised $19 million in Series A funding in August. The boat tested is currently the only version, but the company plans to build more. It is also considering producing electric hydrofoil kits in the future that would allow other boatbuilders to design their models around the technology.
certi.news analysis: The real value of the VS-9 is not merely adding an electric motor to a boat, but attempting to address efficiency and comfort together by reducing water resistance. However, scalability will depend on the company’s ability to produce the boats at a suitable cost and on whether the targeted marine routes are compatible with the wave-height limits. The current test does not provide sufficient evidence of the success of a large-scale urban-transport model; it demonstrates a functioning prototype and a clear commercial direction, not readiness for a mass operating network.