Redefining electric marine propulsion
In a quiet Auckland workshop, Vessev is reshaping how electric boats move. The company’s latest innovation—the VS-Drive—is more than a motor. It’s a purpose-built propulsion system for electric hydrofoiling vessels, designed to stay cool, silent, and efficient in all conditions.
Developed for the award-winning VS-9 hydrofoiling catamaran, the VS-Drive uses a direct-drive brushless motor integrated in a sleek pod beneath the hull. There’s no gearbox, no noisy drivetrain, and almost no vibration. At low speed it’s completely silent; at 25 knots you can still hold a conversation on deck.
“The VS-Drive began as a clean-sheet design to overcome one of the trickiest challenges in electric marine propulsion—overheating,”
says Max Olson, Vessev’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer.
“The result is sustained high-torque output and unparalleled performance in tropical climates.”
Cool by design
At the heart of the VS-Drive lies a closed-loop liquid-cooling system that keeps temperatures under 50 °C—half its safe tolerance—ensuring consistent performance where many other electric drives falter. The innovation makes Vessev’s system suitable for ferry operators and private owners in warmer regions where traditional electric motors struggle.
The unit’s podded layout delivers 65 kW (about 90 hp) continuous output and peaks at 110 kW (150 hp). By coupling the propeller directly to the motor, energy losses are minimal, allowing the VS-9 to cruise efficiently at 25 knots with zero emissions and minimal wake.
Built for endurance and easy service
Durability has been a major design focus. The VS-Drive features long-life bearings rated for 40,000 nautical miles and continuous system health monitoring via onboard sensors. Each module can be disassembled for quick servicing, giving operators the reliability and uptime they expect from commercial-grade equipment.
The propulsion pod also integrates vectorable steering, improving low-speed control and docking precision—especially valuable for harbour ferries and tender operations. Combined with Vessev’s fully retractable carbon-fibre foils, the system offers exceptional versatility in shallow or marina environments.
Scaling up—and shipping out
While the VS-Drive is currently powering the VS-9, production units are being prepared for Vessev’s upcoming 12 m and 18 m models, as well as a recreational hydrofoil launching soon. Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, already runs a VS-9 in daily service, and orders have been confirmed across three continents.
“We’re excited to see operators around the world benefit from this propulsion technology across a range of applications,”
says Eric Laakmann, Vessev’s CEO.
The system’s development was partially funded through EECA’s Low Emission Transport Fund, reinforcing the government’s commitment to cleaner maritime transport.
A New Zealand-built breakthrough
From the outside, the VS-9 looks sleek and futuristic. Below the waterline, it’s powered by what may be the most advanced marine motor of its kind. The VS-Drive shows how New Zealand innovation continues to lead in the global shift to clean marine technology—quietly, efficiently, and unmistakably cool.
Technical snapshot
Power: 65 kW continuous / 110 kW peak
Torque: 400 Nm
Cooling: closed-loop liquid system (< 50 °C operating)
Bearings life: 40,000 NM / 48 months
Output: gearless, silent, zero emissions
Vessel reference
Vessev VS-9
Length 8.95 m / Beam 3.1 m / Draft 0.5–1.5 m
Capacity 10 + 1 crew
Cruise 25 knots / Range 40–50 NM
Carbon-fibre hull and retractable foils
