Vessev Trials Electric Hydrofoil Ferry in Queenstown, New Zealand

Vessev is set to trial its VS–9 electric hydrofoil passenger vessel on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, as part of an effort to explore cleaner and more efficient transport options for one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. The demonstration will evaluate whether electric hydrofoiling technology can help ease congestion while supporting Queenstown’s ambition to become the world’s first fully electrified city.

Scheduled for February 10, the trial is being led by residential developer Kingston Village in partnership with Vessev and regional stakeholders. It will assess travel times, passenger comfort and operational performance under conditions specific to Lake Wakatipu. Findings from the demonstration will inform a broader feasibility study later this year focused on sustainable passenger transport between Queenstown and Kingston.

The VS–9 is one of only two commercially certified electric hydrofoiling vessels currently operating worldwide and has logged more than a year of commercial service. By lifting its hull above the water on carbon-fiber foils, the vessel consumes up to 90 percent less energy than a conventional craft of similar size. It cruises at around 25 knots and offers a range of up to 50 nautical miles, delivering a quiet, low-wake and comfortable ride.

Queenstown faces increasing pressure on its transport network as tourism and residential growth accelerate, while road expansion around the lake remains limited. Vessev CEO and co-founder Eric Laakmann said the lake itself presents an opportunity to rethink mobility, noting that electric hydrofoils can provide fast and reliable service across a wide range of conditions.

Kingston Village General Manager Nicola Tristram said the trial aligns with long-term livability planning for the area. She noted that lake-based transport could complement existing road and bus services, as well as future infrastructure such as a proposed cable car network.

The VS–9 is a 29-foot electric hydrofoiling catamaran built with a carbon-fiber composite hull and powered entirely by Vessev’s in-house battery-electric propulsion system. Developed and engineered in Auckland, the vessel reflects the company’s end-to-end approach to electric marine design, drawing on expertise from high-performance sailing, aerospace and advanced technology sectors.

Vessev Officially Opened Its U.S. Office in March

In March 2025, Vessev announced it officially opened its U.S. office, marking a major step in the company’s international expansion and the start of its operations in the American market.

To lead this effort, Vessev has appointed Josh Trout as Director of Vessev USA. In this role, Trout will establish the company’s U.S. operations, oversee domestic vessel production and drive business development as Vessev scales its presence across the country.

Trout brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in marine sales, operations and customer service throughout the Americas. He has worked extensively with advanced marine technologies, including carbon-composite yachts and tenders, amphibious vessels and electric marine propulsion systems. His career spans a wide range of customers, from superyacht owners to military and government projects, giving him broad insight into both commercial and specialized maritime markets.

Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann said Trout’s appointment represents an important milestone for the company as it enters the U.S. market, noting the significant opportunities ahead. Board Chairman John Scott added that Trout’s experience, vision and enthusiasm for marine innovation align closely with Vessev’s ambitions, making him well suited to lead the company’s growth in the United States.

With its U.S. office now open, Vessev is focused on advancing electric hydrofoiling technology, expanding production capabilities and building partnerships across the American market.