Vessev’s Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Shows How Urban Boats Could Get Smoother and Cleaner

Vessev’s VS-9 is an electric hydrofoil ferry designed to lift its hull above the water using wing-like structures under the boat. TechCrunch’s ride began at a Brooklyn marina and headed toward Governors Island on New York’s East River, where the transition from regular sailing to foiling was described as smooth rather than dramatic. The goal is clear: make boats feel less like choppy vessels and more like stable, efficient transport.

On the surface, the VS-9 resembles other catamarans, but two underwater foils lift the boat as they move through the water. Computer-controlled underwater flaps help keep the ride smooth and stable. Most of the lift comes from the front foil, while the rear foil handles about 20% and also houses the electric motor that Vessev builds in-house.

Hydrofoils can reduce drag by lifting the hull out of the water, which is especially important for electric boats where battery efficiency matters. The VS-9 can charge using a typical EV charger and, according to the article’s image caption, can carry a full passenger load up to 40 nautical miles, or 46 miles and 74 kilometers. Vessev is targeting transit operations first, with the idea that cities could use boats like this to connect waterfront neighborhoods without building much new infrastructure.

Hydrofoils are not a universal answer for every waterway. The VS-9 works best when waves are below about two and a half feet, or 0.75 meters, because higher waves can hit the hull and reduce the smoothness and efficiency of the ride. Vessev raised a $19 million Series A in August, and while the VS-9 tested by TechCrunch is currently one of a kind, the company plans to build more and may eventually offer electric hydrofoil kits for other boatbuilders.