Brief
Vessev unveils VS‑9 electric hydrofoil ferry in New York
The 30‑foot VS‑9 uses wing‑like foils and an in‑house electric motor to skim the East River.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Vessev co‑founder and CEO Eric Laakmann took TechCrunch reporter on a trial run of the company’s VS‑9 electric ferry from the Brooklyn Marina toward Governors Island on the East River on Oct. 3, 2026.
What happened
The 30‑foot catamaran‑styled vessel lifts onto two wing‑like hydrofoils that raise the hull about two and a half feet above the water. The front foil provides most of the lift, while the rear foil, which houses Vessev’s in‑house‑built electric motor, contributes roughly 20 %.
During the short ride, Laakmann noted that the wake was minimal and the experience felt more like a sports‑car ride than traditional sailing. The ferry can raise its foils to reach shallower docks and can be charged with a standard EV charger.
What the reports add
TechCrunch explained that Vessev raised a $19 million Series A round in August and is targeting transit operators for future deployments. The outlet also highlighted that the design works best in calm waterways; waves higher than about 0.75 m can strike the hull, reducing efficiency.
What was said
“When will we start flying?” Laakmann replied, “We already are.”
Laakmann added that the company builds the electric motor itself to keep costs low, while batteries are sourced externally because “those have been commoditized.”
How it came about
Hydrofoil technology has been explored for over a century, but Vessev’s integration of electric propulsion aims to improve efficiency for short‑range water transit. The company’s recent funding round signals intent to move from prototype to commercial production.
Key facts
- The VS‑9 is a 30‑foot electric ferry that lifts onto hydrofoils about 2.5 feet above the water. (techcrunch.com)
- The front foil provides most lift; the rear foil houses the in‑house electric motor and adds about 20 % of lift. (techcrunch.com)
- Vessev raised $19 million in a Series A round in August 2026. (techcrunch.com)
- The ferry can be charged with a typical EV charger and can raise foils to dock in shallower water. (techcrunch.com)
- Waves above 0.75 m can hit the hull, reducing efficiency. (techcrunch.com)
Sources
- [1] techcrunch.com — originally reported as “Vessev built an electric ferry that almost flies”
