‘Flying over the water’: Innovative electric hydrofoil ferries to glide on top of the Swan River next year

Electric hydrofoiling passenger vessels will be gliding all over the Swan River from next year. A Perth-based technology company has ordered two of the 10-passenger catamarans, but has ambitious plans to add several more if they prove popular. The Enautic Group says the nine-metre vessels, that lift above the water on carbon fibre foils, will be used for cruises, twilight sailings and private charters, with plans to introduce commuter routes to Nedlands, Applecross and other river stops in the future. “The Swan River is one of Perth’s most underutilised waterways. Our ambition is to connect the jetties and harbours along the river and make it effortless for people to move around the city,” Enautic’s founder Josh Portlock said. Mr Portlock said the all-electric propulsion and hydrofoiling technology enabled up to 90 per cent lower energy consumption compared with traditional vessels and a faster, more exciting passenger experience. Enautic has ordered two VS-9 catamarans from New Zealand company Vessev. They have a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 50 nautical miles at cruise speed of 25 knots. “It actually feels even faster, because you’re sort of feeling this sensation of flying over the top of the water,” he said. “Because the vessel produces virtually no wake while foiling, it has the potential to operate at higher speeds without damaging riverbanks or disrupting other users. This capability opens the door to a new model of water-based commuter and tourism transport. “By comparison, conventional ferries are typically restricted to speeds of 5–8 knots along much of the river due to the wake they generate.” The hydrofoil service will be based at Elizabeth Quay, operating from the same departure point that was used by the Little Ferry Company, until it closed last year. Kevyn Townley, who operated the hop-on, hop-off solar-powered ferry service, has joined Enautic as its director of operations. “Having operated electric ferries on the Swan River for close to a decade, I’ve learnt what works and what passengers expect,” he told The West. “Electric hydrofoiling overcomes the trade-offs and challenges that have always come with operating on the Swan. “It also offers a completely new experience for passengers. The VS–9 is smooth and quiet, while also being up to four times faster than existing ferry services. It’s what sustainable river transport should look like.” Mr Portlock said the VS-9s would arrive in early 2027. “We do foresee a lot more (of these vessels) in the future,” he said. He experienced the VS-9 last year in New Zealand. “I would say it’s almost surreal how it goes from being a usual boat, feeling the waves, and then when it takes off, it just becomes like super smooth,” he said. “It feels like you’re on a train. “When you turn, it does have a bit more of an aircraft type feel, because it is flying. So when it turns, it banks and then carves and turns... you’re more anchored in your seat. It’s more comfortable in the sense that you’re not being sort of thrown side to side.” He said Mr Townley brought extensive operational experience in running passenger services in Perth and had good relationships with maritime regulators, local government and tourism operators. “We’ve had discussions with both Swan River Trust and various stakeholders about getting exemptions for electric hydrofoils to be approved to go faster because of the lack of wake,” he said. Rather than competing with the bigger ferries, Mr Portlock said they were looking to complement them with a more an “Uber-esque experience, where it’s more of a hop-on, hop-off, and the ability to go faster from A to B.” He said families and small groups would be able to hire the vessels and their skippers for events. “We’ll probably do some experiences and unique packages to and from Rottnest. We actually think we’re going to be plenty busy, just better utilising the Swan River from Elizabeth Quay,” he added. “They have the range to get to Rottnest and back without even charging... But they will make a bigger positive impact on moving people around the Swan River than going to Rottnest and back.” Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann said Australia was a natural market for electric hydrofoiling vessels due to its coastal cities and growing focus on sustainable transport. “Electric hydrofoiling vessels offer greater efficiency, comfort and environmental performance compared with conventional boats,” he said. The hydrofoils are part of a bigger transport rejuvenation on the Swan. Last December, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed a $66m contract with Echo Marine Group to produce five locally-built 140-passenger electric ferries as part of the Cook Government’s Metronet-on-the-Swan plan. It includes a jetty and ferry terminal to connect services from Applecross and Matilda Bay to a floating pontoon at Elizabeth Quay.