Eric Laakmann, chief executive of boatmaker Vessev, says a 100-passenger version is on the way. Video / Michael Craig
Fullers took the Herald for a spin in its new 10-seater hydrofoiling electricboat this morning – billed as a world-first in its class for a private operator.
The 9m emission-free “Kermadec” will run twice-a-day, 40-minute thrill rides around Auckland Harbour from January 29 for $195 per person, with charter options also available.
The boat’s maker, Auckland start-up Vessev, is aiming to follow up with a 19m, 100-passenger model.
Like its 10-passenger VS-9 model already on the water, the 100-seater could run off existing marine charging infrastructure, unlike the 200 and 300-passenger hybrid and fully electric ferries on the way for Auckland Transport, which will require $27.5 million in on-pier 2-megawatt superchargers that were due in mid-2024 but have only just gone out to consent, with opposition marshalling.
Fullers’ chief executive Mike Horne earlier told the Herald the VS-9 was a “proof of concept” for a potential 100-seater order.
Vessev hired America’s Cup and SailGP talent for the design and build of the VS-9 (the “9″ is for 9m).
The carbon fibre laminate VS-9 has partial foiling from 12 knots, reducing pitch-and-roll motion and “takes off” to full-foiling mode waves at 18-19 knots.
Inside the Kermadec. Photo / Michael Craig
Vessev raised $3.3m to build the “VS-9″ prototype, chief executive Eric Laakmann said. Shareholders include Sir Stephen Tindall, Icehouse Ventures, Blackbird Ventures, and Port of Auckland. The start-up also received a $500,000 grant from the Government’s Low Emission Transport fund in mid-2023.
The first VS-9 in the water (the one the Herald was on today) was supposed to be a prototype only but performed so well that Fullers decided to put it into commercial operation, Laakmann said. An initial eight-passenger configuration will shortly be upgraded for 10.
Fullers has bought a second VS-9, which will cost around $1m to build and be in the water before mid-year, Laakmann said.
The current engine generates a fair bit of jet-like noise as the boat gets up on its foils – enough to drown out conversation.
Later in the year, the VS-9 will be upgraded to a quieter, custom-made engine that’s also around 15% more efficient Laakmann said.
Vessev was founded in 2017 by engineer and Halter alumnus Max Olson, with an eye on ultimately building large electric ferries for the Cook Strait run.
Olson remains with the firm as chief technology officer, with Laakmann now in the chief executive role and focusing on more incremental steps.
Laakmann says the VS-9 is the first electric hydrofoil certified for use by a private operator (Swedish rival Candela has a pilot running with two public transport operators in its home country and a pilot starting soon in Nevada for its “P12″).
“There are fewer than 100 of these types of vessels in the water and there are only a handful that are commercial,” Laakmann said.
Vessev chief executive Eric Laakmann. Photo / Michael Craig
The American was a lead Apple Watch engineer before he and his partner embarked on a sail-around-the-world sabbatical. They arrived in Auckland during the Covid-lockdown era and never left.
Fullers said it had “strong initial sales” for Kermadec but declined to give any figures.
Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald’s business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.
