# Electric Hydrofoil Ferries Vessev's VS-9 Lifts Its Hull on Underwater Wings for Low Wake By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-hydrofoil-ferries References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/03/vessev-built-an-electric-ferry-that-almost-flies)  Vessev is bringing smoother, low-wake [ferry travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maritime-transportation-system) to city waterways with the 'VS-9,' an [electric boat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/propel-kit) that rides on [hydrofoils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfing-bike), or underwater wings that lift the hull as speed builds. That setup reduces drag, extends battery life, and turns the usual chop into something closer to a glide. The catamaran is about 30 feet long, with computer-guided flaps that keep it steady while the rear foil carries Vessev's in-house motor. Its foils can retract for shallower docks, and a standard EV charger can refill it without specialized charging gear on the pier. For providers, this offers a smaller ferry format that fits existing dock access and familiar charging routines, rather than waiting for major new infrastructure. Transit operators, hotels, and tour companies get a short-route option that pairs passenger comfort with lower drag, while rivals now have to balance ride quality with operating costs. Image Credit: Vessev ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.4/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 99% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Transportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/transportation) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hydrofoil Commuting:** Battery-powered hydrofoil craft create potential for faster, smoother urban water transit with lower energy demands and reduced shoreline disruption. - **Dock-compatible Electrification:** Standard EV charging and retractable foils point to new marine mobility models that can scale without costly waterfront infrastructure overhauls. - **Low-wake Passenger Travel:** Quiet, low-wake vessels open possibilities for premium short-route services in dense waterfront cities, resorts, and protected waterways. ### Where This Applies - **Public Transit:** Municipal ferry networks could integrate compact electric vessels that improve rider comfort while lowering emissions and operating complexity. - **Hospitality Tourism:** Hotels, resorts, and tour operators gain a differentiated guest transport format suited to scenic routes, private transfers, and eco-focused experiences. - **Marine Technology:** Advances in computer-guided foils, electric propulsion, and lightweight vessel design are reshaping performance benchmarks for small passenger boats. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ground-Effect Watercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wavefly-5x.md) - [Electric Urban Flights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valo-evtol.md) - [Hybrid-electric Amphibious Seaplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaris-hybrid.md) - [Premier Electric Boat Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-boat-model.md) - [Hybrid Catamaran Design Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/65-hybrid-catamaran.md)