{
  "id": 2203540,
  "title": "NZ marine tech company Vessev raises $32 million in funding for US expansion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/nz-marine-tech-company-vessev-raises-32-million-in-funding-for-us",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-20T18:37:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1069280/nz-marine-tech-company-vessev-raises-32-million-in-funding-for-us-expansion"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Marine technology firm Vessev secured over $30 million in funding to expand operations into the United States. The company's co-founder and CEO, Eric Laakmann, revealed that the first US customer, FlyTahoe in California, has purchased several VS-9 vessels for a zero-emission public transport service. These VS-9 electric hydrofoiling passenger boats can accommodate 10 passengers, traveling at 25 knots and covering up to 50 nautical miles with a light load. Laakmann explained that the hydrofoiling technology made marine vessels substantially more efficient, enabling electrification and reducing water displacement. The company's first commercial vessel, a VS-9, was introduced to Auckland's Fullers in 2025, and Vessev is currently building another vessel for Taupō Hydrofoil Tours. The company's smaller, hydrofoiling vessels offer a more point-to-point transfer and are comfortable to travel in, regardless of size, Laakmann added. With 58 staff in Auckland and production ramping up, Vessev aims to build a VS-9 boat every five weeks by 2027. The company has secured orders from four continents, with most customers being fleet operators looking to augment their local transportation systems. Vessev is particularly excited about potential projects in Australia, including Hobart, Perth, and Sydney, with the first boats expected to arrive next year.",
  "summary": "The VS-9 passenger boats will be used in America's first electric hydrofoil \"flying\" ferry service across Lake Tahoe.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}