Vessev built an electric ferry that almost flies
Vessev hopes its electric hydrofoil ferry will change the way people and cities think about boats.
On a recent trip from the Brooklyn Marina to Governors Island via the East River in New York, Vessev co-founder and CEO Eric Laakmann explained that the VS-9 electric ferry was already "almost flying" during its brief surface-skimming ride. As a former ferry rider, the author was initially disappointed that the transition to hydrofoil mode wasn't more dramatic, but understood that the smoothness of the experience was the hydrofoil's main advantage.
The VS-9, measuring about 30 feet, operates more efficiently than traditional boats by lifting its hull clear of the water, which reduces drag and provides a smoother ride. However, hydrofoils are limited to waters deeper than about two and a half feet, as waves higher than that can disrupt the smooth ride and reduce efficiency.
While hydrofoils aren't ideal for the open ocean, they make sense for other waterways like lakes, rivers, and bays. Vessev, which recently raised $19 million in Series A funding, plans to target transit operations first, believing that the combination of electric propulsion and hydrofoils can lower operating costs and make small vessels more comfortable for urban mass transit.
Hotels, tour operators, and wealthy individuals are also early target markets for the company's technology. The VS-9, currently a unique prototype, is expected to be produced in larger quantities, with Vessev potentially offering electric hydrofoil kits to other boatbuilders in the future.
Written by urgent.news from TechCrunch's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
