Electric Hydrofoiling Vessels Set To Launch On Perth’s Swan River By 2027
A new era of water transport could be on the horizon for Perth, with electric hydrofoiling passenger vessels set to debut on the Swan River from early 2027.
New Zealand marine technology company Vessev has announced its expansion into Australia, partnering with local operator Enautic Group to introduce its VS–9 electric hydrofoiling vessels to Western Australia.
Several of the nine-metre vessels have already been reserved and are expected to initially operate as premium tourism experiences, including Swan Valley cruises, twilight sailings and private charters. Plans are also in place to expand into commuter routes in the future.
What Could This Mean For River Transport In Perth?
The VS–9 is a fully electric catamaran that uses carbon fibre hydrofoils to lift above the water’s surface, significantly reducing drag. This design allows the vessel to travel faster while producing minimal wake and lowering environmental impact. According to Vessev, the technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared with traditional boats.
The project is being led by Perth-based aerospace engineer and entrepreneur Josh Portlock, Founder and Executive Chairman of Enautic Group. Portlock said the Swan River presents an untapped opportunity for alternative transport.
“The Swan River is one of Perth’s most underutilised waterways,” he said. “Our ambition is to connect the jetties and harbours along the river and make it effortless for people to move around the city while experiencing one of Perth’s most iconic landscapes.”
How Does The Technology Actually Work?
Image credit: Vessev | Supplied
The vessels are expected to cruise at around 25 knots, significantly faster than conventional ferries, which are typically limited to 5–8 knots in many parts of the river due to wake restrictions.
Because hydrofoiling vessels produce little to no wake while in operation, they may be able to travel at higher speeds without damaging riverbanks or disrupting other water users, opening up the potential for faster and more efficient river-based commuting.
Operations will run under Enautic’s AquaFlights brand and be led by Kevyn Townley, founder of the Little Ferry Company, which previously operated solar-electric ferry services on the Swan River for nearly a decade.
Could This Expand Beyond Tourism?
Vessev CEO and co-founder Eric Laakmann said Australia’s coastal cities and focus on sustainability make it a strong market for the technology.
“Cities around the world are beginning to rediscover the potential of their waterways as transport corridors,” Laakmann said. “Electric hydrofoiling vessels offer greater efficiency, comfort and environmental performance compared with conventional boats.”
While initial services will focus on tourism, longer-term plans include commuter routes linking key destinations such as Applecross and the CBD, as well as connections between Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island.
The vessels are currently undergoing regulatory processes, with Vessev working alongside local authorities and classification bodies to ensure compliance ahead of launch.
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Main image credit: Vessev | Supplied
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