Fullers' new high-speed electric hydrofoiling boat, a Vessev VS-9, will carry tour groups on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf starting 29 January 2025. Photo: Supplied
Auckland's ferry fleet will be joined by a high-speed electric hydrofoiling vessel early next year.
The new boat, a Vessev VS-9, will carry tour groups on the Hauraki Gulf as part of Fullers' fleet starting 29 January 2025.
After a trial period carrying eight passengers at a time, the electric VS-9 will be able to carry 10 passengers at a top speed of 30 knots (55km/h).
"It opens up an entirely new way of travelling," Fullers360 chief executive Mike Horne said in a statement.
"[It is] one that is not only immensely enjoyable but is efficient and plays a key role in reducing emissions.
"We are excited by the future possibilities of Vessev's technologies and very much looking forward to the first passenger journeys in the new year, which will be the start of many."
The VS-9 would be the first electric hydrofoiling vessel to be commercialised by a major operator, with a 40-minute cruise costing $195 per passenger and a private charter costing $2000 total.
While the new boat was relatively small at just nine metres long, a spokesperson for Vessev said 100-seater versions were in development.
"This is a significant milestone in Fullers360's decarbonisation journey and marks a new era in high-end tourism for New Zealand," Horne said.
"Vessev's work to date is a great step for green technology and our local tourism industry; one I believe really puts New Zealand on the map and further cements us as leading innovators in the maritime industry."
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