Eco-luxury by design
New Zealand’s Vessev has announced its first European customer, confirming that Northern Ireland’s Finn Lough eco resort has purchased a VS–9 electric hydrofoiling vessel. The nine-metre catamaran will transport guests across Lower Lough Erne, redefining how luxury hospitality can combine sustainability and memorable experiences.
By lifting clear of the water on carbon fibre foils, the VS–9 offers a smooth, silent ride with minimal wake and no emissions. For a destination like Finn Lough, known for its forest hideaway accommodation and immersive approach to design, the technology is a natural fit.
Resort co-owner Michael Beare said the vessel captures Finn Lough’s philosophy of “wildly refined” travel. “It connects people more deeply to a place. It pairs the untamed beauty of the lake with a thoughtfully designed way to explore it.”
Flying on water: our first ride – Vessev’s VS–9 foiling electric craft
Competitive advantage on the water
For New Zealand readers, the story resonates with the America’s Cup, where foiling technology gave Team New Zealand a decisive edge. Now, the same innovation is being adopted by international operators who recognise its commercial and experiential value.
Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann said the shift was underway across the luxury tourism and transport sectors. “A flight on a VS–9 offers passengers an unforgettable experience while creating opportunities for operators. We’re proud to partner with pioneers like Finn Lough.”
Scaling up production
Vessev is ramping up to meet growing demand, with former Tesla engineer Will McCabe relocating to Auckland to lead production. His appointment reflects both the technical ambition of Vessev and the international interest in its foiling platforms.
The VS–9 has already gained global recognition, receiving a Red Dot Design Award for its wraparound glazing and passenger-focused design. In New Zealand, the country’s largest ferry operator Fullers360 already operates a VS–9, Kermadec, on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.
Vessev launches world’s first premium tourism electric hydrofoiling vessel – the VS—9
What’s next for Vessev
The Finn Lough VS–9 is scheduled to arrive in 2026, establishing a European showcase for Kiwi marine innovation. With growing pressure on tourism to reduce emissions, electric hydrofoiling vessels present a future-forward solution that enhances guest experience while protecting fragile environments.
As Finn Lough’s partnership shows, the next wave of hospitality is not just about where guests stay, but how they travel to get there.
Press release
Vessev unlocking electric hydrofoiling for Europe’s tourism market
New Zealand marine technology innovator Vessev has confirmed its first European customer, with its VS–9 electric hydrofoiling vessel heading to Finn Lough, a lakeside eco resort in Northern Ireland.
The VS–9 is a nine-metre catamaran that flies above the water on carbon fibre hydrofoils, producing minimal wake, noise, or environmental impact. The VS–9’s all-electric propulsion and foiling technology can reduce energy costs by up to 90%.
The partnership marks a significant chapter in New Zealand innovations being adopted internationally. In investing in a VS–9, Finn Lough will be Europe’s first luxury hospitality destination to offer its guests transportation by electric hydrofoiling vessel.
Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann said operators across luxury hospitality, tourism, and transport sectors were recognising the value that Vessev’s electric hydrofoiling vessels unlocked for passengers and business.
“A flight on a VS–9 offers passengers an unforgettable experience, while creating opportunities for operators. We’re proud to partner with pioneers like Finn Lough who are showing the world what’s possible with this technology.”
Located about two hours’ drive from Belfast, Finn Lough is a forest hideaway on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, known for its Bubble Domes and immersive, design-led approach to hospitality.
Finn Lough co-owner Michael Beare said partnering with Vessev allowed them to offer guests “a form of travel that connects people more deeply to a place”.
“It captures our core belief in the beauty of contrast: pairing the untamed beauty of the lake with a thoughtfully designed, elevated way to explore it.”
The VS–9 was recently awarded a Red Dot Design Award, an international competition that celebrates excellence in product design. The vessel was recognised for its experience-first approach, including wraparound glazing that offers an uninterrupted view of the landscape.
New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, operates a VS–9, Kermadec, on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.
The VS–9 will arrive at Finn Lough in 2026.
About the VS–9
The Vessev VS–9 is a fully electric hydrofoiling passenger vessel providing an exceptional on-water experience. Using carbon fibre foils to lift the hull above the water, it reduces drag, delivers a smooth, silent ride, and significantly improves energy efficiency, producing zero on-board emissions.
Key features:
Capacity: 10 passengers + 1 skipper
Top speed: 30 knots
Cruise speed: 25 knots
Range: Up to 50 nautical miles at cruise speed
Charge rate: Up to 0.6 nautical miles per minute
Propulsion: 100% battery electric
Length: 8.95m
Beam: 3.1m
Draft: 0.5 m-1.5m
Seakeeping foil: Up to 0.75m
About Vessev
Vessev is a marine technology innovator which makes electric hydrofoiling vessels in Auckland, New Zealand. Every component of our vessels, from hardware to software, is designed, manufactured and assembled under one roof, developed to work seamlessly together to create a transformative on-water experience. Our team is made up of experts from across the world, with backgrounds in the America’s Cup, Rocket Lab, Apple, Tesla, Halter and Navico.
About Finn Lough
Finn Lough is the pioneer of the ‘wildly refined’ travel category: a careful balance of wild immersion and thoughtful refinement. Known for distinctive accommodations and experiences shaped by their surroundings, Finn Lough invites guests to actively participate in their stay, earning moments of comfort through meaningful connection with nature. The result is hospitality defined by genuine warmth, authenticity, and intentional simplicity.
