New Zealand’s Vessev will supply several VS-9 electric hydrofoiling catamarans to Australia’s Enautic Group for operation on Perth’s Swan River from early 2027. The 29ft vessels cruise at 25 knots with a 50-nautical-mile range and use up to 90% less energy than conventional boats. Tourism services will launch first, with commuter routes planned.
New Zealand-based electric hydrofoil manufacturer Vessev is expanding into Australia, with the Enautic Group set to operate several of the company’s VS-9 electric hydrofoiling passenger vessels on Perth’s Swan River from early 2027.
The VS-9 is a 29ft electric hydrofoiling catamaran with carbon fiber foils that cruises at 25 knots with a range of up to 50 nautical miles. Vessev says the vessel consumes up to 90% less energy than a conventional vessel of similar size and produces virtually no wake — a factor that could prove advantageous on the Swan River, where conventional large commercial ferries are typically restricted to 5-8 knots along much of the waterway.
Only three commercially certified electric hydrofoiling vessels are currently in operation worldwide, two of which are Vessev VS-9s. The company says those two vessels have together logged close to 10,000 nautical miles.
The VS-9s will initially operate under Enautic’s AquaFlights brand, focusing on premium tourism offerings including wine cruises, twilight sailings and private charters, with commuter routes planned for a later phase.
“Hydrofoiling is what makes electric water transport genuinely viable. It delivers the speed, range and sustainability you need without compromise,” says Josh Portlock, founder and executive chairman of the Enautic Group. “The VS-9 is exactly the type of vessel that makes this model possible. Starting with premium tourism allows people to experience the technology first-hand while laying the groundwork for a future where electric hydrofoiling becomes one of the fastest and most sustainable ways to move around the city.”
Eric Laakmann, chief executive and co-founder of Vessev, says the Australian deal reflects growing global interest in electric hydrofoiling. “We’re seeing cities around the world rediscovering their waterways because of what electric hydrofoiling unlocks,” he adds. “Australia is a natural fit, and businesses like the Enautic Group are leading that shift.”
Vessev says it is working with classification societies and local regulatory bodies to ensure the vessels meet all Australian compliance requirements ahead of delivery.
