The Swan River is set to welcome a new era of sustainable transport, with New Zealand marine technology company Vessev announcing its expansion into Australia. Partnering with Perth-based Enautic Group, Vessev will introduce its cutting-edge electric hydrofoiling passenger vessels to Western Australia.
Several of Vessev’s VS–9 vessels have already been reserved and are expected to begin operations on the Swan River later this year. The sleek, nine-metre electric catamarans lift above the water on carbon fibre foils, creating minimal wake and using up to 90% less energy than traditional boats. The vessels will initially be used for premium tourism experiences such as Swan Valley cruises, twilight sailings and private charters, with plans to expand into commuter services in the future.
The project is being led by Perth local Josh Portlock, an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur and Founder of the Enautic Group. Portlock said the introduction of electric hydrofoiling vessels could transform how Perth uses its waterways.
He said starting with tourism experiences would allow people to experience the technology first-hand while paving the way for a sustainable commuter network.
The VS–9 cruises at around 25 knots—much faster than conventional ferries, which are often limited to 5–8 knots due to wake restrictions. Because the hydrofoiling design produces virtually no wake, the vessels can travel at higher speeds without damaging riverbanks or disturbing other river users.
Operations will be managed under Enautic’s AquaFlights brand, which already offers hydrofoiling experiences such as e-foil scooter and Waveflyer boat hire. The new service will be led by Kevyn Townley, founder of the Little Ferry Company, which operated solar-electric ferries on the Swan River for nearly a decade. Townley’s experience and local connections are expected to help integrate the new vessels smoothly into Perth’s tourism and transport network.
Vessev CEO and Co-Founder Eric Laakmann said Australia is a natural fit for electric hydrofoiling technology.
The first VS–9 vessels are expected to arrive in Perth later this year, marking the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable water travel for Western Australia.
