New Zealand-based marine technology firm Vessev has opened its first international office in the United States as part of a broader effort to expand into North America and begin local production of its electric hydrofoil vessels.
The company, which manufactures the VS-9 electric hydrofoil craft, appointed Josh Trout as Director of North America to lead its U.S. expansion strategy. The move comes as Vessev looks to grow its presence in the regional marine industry and establish a production base for its craft in the country.
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“I have complete confidence that I can support the company’s U.S. growth strategy with both sales and extending our reach in international markets,” Trout said in a statement. “We are also exploring the opportunities to build our state-of-the-art vessels in the U.S., which will both create jobs and set the foundations for our service and support business in the U.S.”
Vessev’s flagship model, the VS-9, is currently operating in Auckland under a commercial agreement with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator. The nine-metre electric hydrofoil carries up to 10 passengers, with a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 50 nautical miles. The craft uses shape-adjusting hydrofoils to improve comfort in rough waters, which the company says makes for a smoother ride than traditional small boats.
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The VS-9 entered service in January 2025 as part of Fullers360’s “Electric Hydrofoil Experience,” priced at NZ$195 per passenger. Vessev described the deployment as the first private commercialization of an electric hydrofoiling vessel.
“While this is a first, this is just a first step of many,” the company said in a statement. “Ten years from now, every major body of water will have electric hydrofoiling vessels operating.”
Following certification by Maritime New Zealand, Vessev has begun developing a larger hydrofoil vessel with a capacity of up to 100 passengers. The company has not disclosed a timeline for launch.