Vessev VS-9 Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Targets Urban Transit
Vessev's VS-9 electric hydrofoil ferry pairs a 40-nautical-mile range with low-drag foiling as the startup targets urban transit and tourism operations.
Summary
As of October 3, 2026, Vessev's VS-9 was a one-of-a-kind, roughly 30-foot electric catamaran with a full-load range of up to 40 nautical miles, 46 miles or 74 kilometers, and compatibility with typical EV chargers. Two underwater foils lift the hull to reduce drag, energy use and wake, while computer-controlled flaps deliver a smooth, stable ride. The front foil provides most lift; the rear handles about 20% and houses Vessev's in-house motor. Vessev builds everything except commoditized batteries to control costs, and the retractable foils permit access to shallow docks.
Hydrofoils have been tested for well over a century, but the VS-9's hull encounters waves above roughly 2.5 feet, or 0.75 meters, reducing comfort and efficiency and limiting open-ocean use. After raising a $19 million Series A in August, CEO Eric Laakmann is targeting transit first, including New York links to Brooklyn or Queens requiring little new infrastructure. Hotels, tour operators and wealthy recreational buyers are additional prospects. Vessev plans to build more VS-9s and may eventually supply electric hydrofoil kits for other boatbuilders' vessels, although its timetable, pricing and production volume remain unspecified.
Positives
- A 40-nautical-mile full-load range could support short urban, tourism and hotel routes.
- Two underwater foils reduce drag, energy consumption and wake while computer-controlled flaps stabilize the ride.
- Typical EV charger compatibility could simplify deployment compared with boats requiring specialized charging equipment.
- A $19 million Series A gives Vessev capital to expand beyond its sole VS-9 prototype.
- Retractable foils let the VS-9 enter shallow docks that fixed hydrofoil systems might not reach.
- New York routes to Brooklyn or Queens could expand transit capacity without extensive new infrastructure.
Risks & concerns
- Waves above 2.5 feet, or 0.75 meters, strike the hull and reduce ride quality and efficiency.
- Open-ocean operations are poorly suited to the VS-9's wave-clearance limits.
- Only one VS-9 exists as of October 3, 2026, leaving commercial-scale performance unproven.
- Building nearly everything except batteries in-house creates substantial manufacturing demands as production expands.
- Timelines, pricing and planned production volumes for additional boats remain unspecified.