Vessev built an electric ferry that almost flies

On a short demonstration run from the Brooklyn Marina toward Governors Island, Vessev's VS-9 transitioned from conventional displacement mode to foiling with only a subtle change in sensation; the ride felt more like a firm sports-car experience than a dramatic leap into flight. The VS-9 appears conventional above water as a catamaran, but two underwater wing-like foils lift the hull as speed increases. Computer-controlled flaps on those foils smooth and stabilize the vessel while it rides on the foils.

Vessev builds the electric motor mounted on the rear foil in-house, while sourcing batteries from outside suppliers. By lifting the hull clear of most of the water, the hydrofoil design reduces drag and can boost efficiency — an important advantage for battery-powered craft. The VS-9 can also raise its foils to approach shallower docks when needed.

The hydrofoil concept has practical limits: the VS-9 requires roughly 2.5 feet (0.75 meters) of clearance to foil effectively, and larger waves that strike the hull undo the efficiency and smoothness benefits. That constraint makes hydrofoils less suitable for open-ocean service but well-matched to rivers, bays, and many urban waterways.

Vessev, which closed a $19 million Series A in August, is pitching the VS-9 to transit operators, hotels, and tour companies and has attracted interest from affluent private buyers. The company says the VS-9 can carry a full passenger load up to 40 nautical miles (46 miles / 74 kilometers) and can recharge from a standard electric-vehicle charger. Longer-term plans include scaling production and potentially offering hydrofoil kits so other boatbuilders can integrate the technology into their own designs.