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Fullers launch ‘world’s first electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel’ onto Auckland Harbour


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Fullers, Vessev, launch ‘world’s first electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel’ onto Auckland Harbour

“You’ll be able to talk on a cellphone or give a presentation at 20 knots, which you can’t on a regular boat,” the Fullers chief executive says. “It’ll be very stable.”

The zero-emission, carbon fibre laminate VS-9 has partial foiling from 12 knots, reducing pitch-and-roll motion and “takes off” to full-foiling mode waves at 18-19 knots.

If all goes well, Fullers plans to work with Vessev on a 100-passenger, 19m version.

Horne says that could be hydrogen or electric-powered, and could be serving the Auckland-Gulf Harbour run (that is, on the open seas) within three years. Hydrofoils would not be used by Fullers in the inner harbour, where 200 and 300-person electric ferries are in the works.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/fullers-vessev-launch-worlds-first-electric-hydrofoiling-tourism-vessel-onto-auckland-harbour/YSAY72UDZRDTLEPWDMRTZFCA5Q/


 

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Unlike the big electric ferries on the way next year (which will require $27.5m worth of multi-megawatt chargers) no new infrastructure is needed.

While superchargers on piers are still a work-in-progress - and might not appear at CBD ferry terminal until mid to late next year - the hybrid’s diesel generators mean they’ll be able to operate for months, while Fullers waits for superchargers.

 

 

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30 minutes ago, K4309 said:

Capacity of 10 people.

Future upgrades include a cabin top.......

Just a gimmick without a roof. Will be interesting to see how the tech plays out though. 

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2 minutes ago, khayyam said:

Just a gimmick without a roof. Will be interesting to see how the tech plays out though. 

It was a story of soo many contrasts.

The latest leading edge technology, but without fundamental basics, like a roof. Then boasting it will have Lear Jet standard interiors, and that you would be able to talk on a phone, or give a presentation. I'm still trying to work out why you'd want to give a presentation on a ferry, but maybe that is me being ignorant.

Or that the 300 people Fullers electric ferries are in build and delivery planned, but they haven't sorted out the charging infrastructure.

Or that the latest tech electric ferries will be charged off massive diesel shore based generators.

Perhaps if the story wasn't by a sensationalist mainstream media (i.e. perhaps if it was by an industry magazine or some such dull as batshit publication) it would simply say "A proof of concept has been launched, and the next key milestone is obtaining Maritime NZ approval, something that has not been acheived anywhere globally for an electric, foiling ferry".

PS, I am wondering though, if they can't afford to train crew for many of Auckland's established ferry routes, how can they afford to fund $27.5 million of shoreside super-chargers? That money is a hell of a lot of conventional ferry trips that would bolster our collapsing public transport network without getting all fancy on it.

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Amazing the comments from people who have no idea...

The cabin top has deliberately not been installed as the boat is currently undergoing testing and sea trials and not having the cabin top makes it far easier to access parts for adjustment.

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The superchargers for the bigger commuter ferrys being built at Mcwing to be installed at HMB, city and North Shore have been costed at $i5 million each to the ratepayers (last month), The Hybrid ferrys being built in Wanganui will work straight away. 

The Vessev boat being talked about here carries 9 and a skipper, Maritime NZ so far has no special requirements or training for foiling crew and Lithium battery monitoring. This boat is designed for waves up to 800mm according to Erik. Gulf Harbour, Motuihie channel anyone, or Riviera wake.....

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10 hours ago, Cameron said:

Amazing the comments from people who have no idea...

The cabin top has deliberately not been installed as the boat is currently undergoing testing and sea trials and not having the cabin top makes it far easier to access parts for adjustment.

Oh really?

Sensitive much thinking you can change the weather? The comment about not having a cabin top is a direct quote from the guy himself. Not having a cabin top also reduces windage, drag and weight, which makes all the efficiency numbers look better than they are.

Horne says the final fit-out will include a cabin top, a Learjet-like finish in its interior and be a smooth ride, thanks to the hydrofoiling technology designed by the team at Vessev.

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10 hours ago, Cameron said:

Amazing the comments from people who have no idea...

The cabin top has deliberately not been installed as the boat is currently undergoing testing and sea trials and not having the cabin top makes it far easier to access parts for adjustment.

This!

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We (NZ Multihull Yacht Club) were lucky enough to get a tour of their factory recently. They are the real deal and are building a very clever but simple boat. They are doing it the Kiwi way and are increadly knowledgable on what they are doing. 

They ended the night by letting us raid the Carbon scraps bin - best "Party Favour" ever for a bunch of DIYer multihullers!

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