Vessev VS–9 Electric Hydrofoil Wins
Prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design
- VS–9: the world’s first premium electric hydrofoil vessel engineered to commercial standards, combining advanced sustainability and performance with design
- Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s most respected design competitions, recognising outstanding design, quality and innovation
- 10 passengers, 30 knots top speed, 40-50 nautical mile range – all powered with zero emissions
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Auckland, New Zealand, 8th May, 2025: Vessev's flagship electric hydrofoiling vessel, the VS–9, has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025, an international seal of excellence for outstanding design and innovation.
The Red Dot Award is one of the world’s largest and most respected design competitions, with winners selected annually by an independent jury of experts.
“Winning a Red Dot Award is a powerful validation of what we set out to achieve with the VS–9,” said Alain Brideson, Lead Designer at Vessev, “When form truly follows function the result isn’t just a vessel that flies, it’s a vessel that inspires.
He continued: “Our objective for the VS–9 was to create something that is beautifully utilitarian. Using the tools of the premium automotive segment, every surface of the VS–9 has been carefully crafted to emanate quality. The entire exterior harmoniously embeds functionality into a clean and balanced form. The interior was all about reducing to the bare essentials and ensuring the cabin is open and flowing”.
Vesev CEO, Eric Laakmann: “One of the things I loved about working at Apple was the weight that the design team had within the product development cycle, and we are bringing some of that magic into the design ethos here at Vessev.
“Our team brings together world-class expertise from fields including rocketry, robotics, industrial design, hydrodynamics, composites, advanced energy storage systems, and traditional boat building. This diversity allows us to reimagine marine electrification with fresh thinking, real-world experience, and a relentless drive to build a better future”.
The Red Dot jury stated: “The VS–9 hydrofoil impresses with its functional simplicity and clean lines. The industrial design and wraparound cabin glazing create a striking visual identity.”
The VS–9’s design focuses on delivering both performance and passenger experience. Its carbon fiber hull, retractable hydrofoil system, and panoramic glazing are engineered to maximise efficiency, reduce wake, and provide greater comfort on the water.
The first of its kind built to commercial standards, the VS–9 carries up to 10 passengers, reaches a top speed of 30 knots, and offers a range of 40 to 50 nautical miles. By combining electric propulsion with hydrofoiling efficiency, it delivers a smoother ride, zero emissions, and significant operational savings compared to traditional petrol or diesel-powered boats.
Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, has already integrated the VS–9 into its fleet, marking the world’s first private commercialisation of an electric hydrofoiling vessel, and supporting the transition to lower-emission marine transport.
For more information about the VS–9 and Vessev’s commitment to sustainable marine innovation, visit www.vessev.com.
About Vessev
Vessev is a New Zealand-based company pioneering electric hydrofoil vessels to create a cleaner, more connected future on the water. Combining advanced engineering, design innovation, and a commitment to uplifting people and the planet, Vessev delivers high-efficiency vessels that make sustainable marine transport a reality.