New Zealand marine technology innovator Vessev has announced its expansion into the Australian market, with the Enautic Group set to introduce Vessev’s electric hydrofoiling passenger vessels to Western Australia.
Several Vessev VS–9 vessels have been reserved and are expected to operate on the Swan River in Perth, initially offering premium tourism experiences including Swan Valley cruises, twilight sailings and private charters, with plans to introduce commuter routes in the future.
The VS–9 is a nine-metre electric hydrofoiling catamaran that lifts above the water on carbon fibre foils, producing minimal wake and significantly reducing environmental impact. Its all-electric propulsion and hydrofoiling technology enables up to 90% lower energy consumption compared with traditional vessels, while delivering a smooth and quiet passenger experience.
The project is being led by aerospace engineer, entrepreneur and Perth local, Josh Portlock, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Enautic Group and Founding Innovation Partner at Electro Ventures.
Portlock said electric hydrofoiling represented a major opportunity to rethink how cities use their waterways.
“The Swan River is one of Perth’s most underutilised waterways. Our ambition is to connect the jetties and harbours along the river and make it effortless for people to move around the city while experiencing one of Perth’s most iconic landscapes.
“Starting with premium tourism experiences on the Swan River allows people to experience the technology first-hand while laying the groundwork for a future where electric hydrofoiling becomes one of the fastest and most sustainable ways to move around the city.
“Hydrofoiling is what makes electric water transport genuinely viable. It delivers the speed, range and sustainability you need without compromise. The VS–9 is exactly the type of vessel that makes this model possible on the Swan River.”
The VS–9 cruises at speeds of around 25 knots, enabling dramatically faster travel times than existing river transport options. Because the vessel produces virtually no wake while foiling, it has the potential to operate at higher speeds without damaging riverbanks or disrupting other users. This capability opens the door to a new model of water-based commuter and tourism transport. By comparison, conventional ferries are typically restricted to speeds of 5–8 knots along much of the river due to the wake they generate.
The VS–9s will operate as premium tourism experiences through Enautic’s AquaFlights brand which focuses on hydrofoiling experiences including e-foil scooter and Waveflyer boat hire. Operations will be led by Kevyn Townley, founder of the Little Ferry Company, which operated solar-electric ferry services on the Swan River for close to a decade.
Townley brings extensive operational experience in running passenger services in Perth and has deep relationships with maritime regulators, local government and tourism operators.
Vessev CEO and Co-Founder Eric Laakmann said Australia represents a natural market for electric hydrofoiling vessels due to its coastal cities and growing focus on sustainable transport.
“Cities around the world are beginning to rediscover the potential of their waterways as transport corridors,” Laakmann said.
“Electric hydrofoiling vessels offer greater efficiency, comfort and environmental performance compared with conventional boats. Australia’s waterways, combined with its strong renewable energy adoption and innovation ecosystem, make it an exciting market for this next generation of marine transport.”
“We’re excited to be working with the Enautic Group to introduce electric hydrofoiling to Western Australia, starting with tourism experiences on the Swan River and expanding the possibilities for sustainable water transport.”
The first vessels are expected to be delivered in early 2027. Over time, the network could expand to commuter routes along the Swan River, including high-demand commuter routes and tourism experiences linking Applecross and the CBD, Perth with Fremantle and Rottnest Island.
Vessev is working collaboratively with applicable classification societies and local regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all local requirements for this innovative vessel type.
About the VS–9
The Vessev VS–9 is a fully electric hydrofoiling passenger vessel providing an exceptional on-water experience. Using carbon fibre foils to lift the hull above the water, it significantly reduces drag, delivers a smooth, silent ride, and greatly improves energy efficiency, while producing zero on-board emissions.
Key features:
- Capacity: 10 passengers + 1 skipper
- Top speed: 30 knots
- Cruise speed: 25 knots
- Range: Up to 50 nautical miles at cruise speed
- Charge rate: Up to 1.0 nautical miles per minute
- Propulsion: 100% battery electric
- Length: 8.95 m
- Beam: 3.1 m
- Draft: 0.5 m-1.5 m
- Seakeeping foil: Up to 0.75 m
New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, operates a VS–9, Manta, on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour. Vessev has orders across three continents and is scaling production to meet global demand.
About Vessev
Vessev sits at the intersection of boatbuilding and applied technology, designing and building electric hydrofoiling vessels in Auckland, New Zealand. The company develops its vessels end to end, from hulls and foils through to propulsion and control systems, keeping the work tightly integrated. The team brings together experts with backgrounds from the America’s Cup, Rocket Lab, Apple and Tesla to deliver an entirely new way to move on the water www.vessev.com
About ENAUTIC Group
ENAUTIC Group is an Australian technology company developing world leading electric hydrofoil technology. Our vision is the global adoption of electric hydrofoil propulsion systems as the default solution for small marine passenger transport for recreational, commercial and government craft. https://enautic.co/vs-9
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