Tasmania’s Derwent River is set to become the home of Australia’s first electric hydrofoil passenger network, following a partnership between local venture Fly Derwent and New Zealand marine innovator Vessev. Announced in April 2026, the project aims to transform Hobart’s waterways into a high-speed “metro-style” transport system. By utilizing hydrofoiling technology—which lifts the vessel’s hull above the water to reduce drag—the service achieves significantly higher efficiency and speed than traditional electric boats while producing virtually no wake, protecting the river’s sensitive banks.
Key Project Details
- Vessel Models: The rollout begins with the Vessev VS-9, a 9-meter, 10-seat catamaran. Future expansion includes the larger VS-12, which can carry up to 30 passengers.
- Performance Specs:
- Top Speed: 30 knots (~55 km/h).
- Cruising Speed: 25 knots (~46 km/h).
- Range: Up to 50 nautical miles per charge.
- Charging: Capable of adding 1 nautical mile of range per minute of charging.
- The Route: The network is planned to span 60 kilometers, connecting New Norfolk to Opossum Bay, with a central hub at the Hobart waterfront.
- Sustainability: The fleet will be powered by Tasmania’s renewable energy grid (predominantly hydro, wind, and solar), making the entire operation zero-emissions.
- Timeline: The first VS-9 vessel is expected to arrive in Hobart and begin operations in early 2027.
- Infrastructure: Unlike traditional ferries, these vessels require minimal large-scale infrastructure; they can be charged using systems similar to standard electric vehicle chargers.
The current global oil crisis has shifted the narrative for Tasmania from purely environmental protection to economic and energy security. As fuel price volatility and supply disruptions rattle traditional transport networks, Tasmania’s unique position as a “green battery”—generating nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable hydro, wind, and solar—allows it to insulate its tourism and commuter sectors from fossil fuel reliance.
The partnership between Fly Derwent and Vessev represents a “new modality” for water transport. Instead of just replacing old diesel engines with electric ones, the project introduces a high-frequency, low-capacity model that functions more like a subterranean metro system than a traditional ferry schedule. This agility, combined with the extreme efficiency of hydrofoiling, positions Tasmania as a global laboratory for zero-emissions marine travel.
Strategic Insights & Future Outlook
- Energy Independence: By using locally generated renewable power, the hydrofoil network removes the need for imported diesel, keeping transport costs stable even when international oil prices spike.
- “The Massive Battery”: Principal Cameron McCulloch notes that Tasmania’s grid can export surplus energy to the mainland or import excess renewable energy when prices go negative, essentially using the state’s hydro system to “charge” the transport network at peak efficiency.
- On-Demand Water Transport: During off-peak hours, Fly Derwent plans to offer an “Uber-like” service, where vessels can be hailed to any accessible wharf on the river, rather than sticking to a rigid fixed-route schedule.
- Environmental Preservation: Because hydrofoils produce virtually no wake, they unlock sensitive areas like Tasmania’s inland lakes for motorized tourism—areas previously restricted due to the erosion and noise caused by traditional hulls.
- Future-Proofing Hardware: Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann highlighted that battery density improves by roughly 7% annually. Because the vessels are modular, they are designed to be upgraded over time, meaning the fleet will actually gain range and performance as it ages.
- Wider Maritime Context: This rollout coincides with other Tasmanian milestones, such as Incat Tasmania beginning harbour trials for the world’s largest battery-electric ship (Hull 096) in early 2026, further cementing the state’s reputation as a global hub for electric maritime engineering.
Visit Vessev VS-9 page for more information
