Fullers360 has been in the business of operating fast ferries for over four decades, with diesel having played a necessary and central role throughout each of those decades. The ongoing operational costs, though, can be profound - not just in ferry operations but also for Aotearoa - a net importer of fossil fuels.
Moving away from fossil fuels is touted to be just the ‘first half of the story’ with sustainable maritime technologies advancing to the point of being economically practical, and vessels like the world-first Vessev VS–9 hydrofoil and larger fast ferries promising to deliver quick payback on a diverse range of applications from transport to tourism.
Fullers360 CEO and Board Member for the New Zealand Hydrogen Council, Mike Horne, alongside his team, has played a critical role in crafting the future of sustainable on-water travel, especially on the Waitematā and wider Hauraki Gulf.
“Kiwi innovation is both scalable and exciting, and we are well positioned to continue pioneering a way forward using alternative energy sources. Switching to alternate fuels such as electric, foiling and hydrogen is a sound choice for the environment, and that’s just where the benefits begin. As a commercial business it makes firm economic sense and, better yet, it makes sense for New Zealand. These alternate fuel advancements are already on the world stage; it’s all proven technology and it’s our job to harness and scale it.
“New Zealand is a net importer of fossil fuels. By transitioning to domestically sourced energy options, such as hydroelectricity, we can reduce our reliance on imports and improve energy security,” said Horne.
“Our marine transport ecosystem is thriving here in New Zealand, with companies like Vessev, led by Eric Laakmann and Max Olson, setting a global benchmark. Michael Eaglen and his team at EV Maritime have been developing advanced electric fast-ferry designs for years, and great Kiwi innovators like HamiltonJet, Q-West and McMullen and Wing are also contributing heavily by innovating propulsion and design solutions for new energy sources and bespoke maritime applications” he said.
Vessev is one of a handful of companies in the world producing commercial electric hydrofoil boats, with another VS–9 being launched last week for incorporation into Fullers360's fleet ahead of the busy summer period.
“We are extremely happy with the performance of these hydrofoiling vessels. As a commercial operator this is where our innovation, focus, and energy guide our future fleet requirements and investment decisions.”
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Vessev CEO, Eric Laakmann, noted the achievement and echoed Mike Horne’s sentiment.
“Last week was a great milestone with the technical launch of another VS–9 that will be used in Fullers360’s fleet. There are only 117 electric hydrofoiling vessels in the world today, with the vast majority of these vessels being recreational craft. Only a small handful of these vessels are certified for passenger use. I’m pleased to say that the VS–9 has led the way in this category, commercialising two of these electric foiling vessels from start to finish across a period of just 18 months with Fullers360”
“Given that this technology is the most sustainable way to move on the water at high speeds, it is a certainty that every major body of water in the world will see vessels like the VS–9 in operation in the coming years. That innovation was born right here in Aotearoa thanks to partnerships such as the one we have with Fullers360 and NetZero Maritime and we are looking forward to seeing it prosper here on the Hauraki Gulf and abroad” said Laakmann.
“One of the great aspects of this technology is how accessible maintenance and service of systems are. The electric motors are simple devices with very few moving parts, and the mechanical systems for the hydrofoils are basic mechanical linkages. Not only do these vessels reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but they can also be largely maintained using basic boat-building and mechanical principles. Even the long-lasting batteries that we utilise will last significantly longer than a commercial diesel engine will.”
For Vessev, the New Zealand startup has now won numerous global awards, including the prestigious Red Dot design award for Product Design in 2025, and is attracting attention from international publications such as Forbes. In addition to having larger 18-meter vessels in development, Vessev will be making international deliveries next year.
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Back home in New Zealand, Mike Horne said that Fullers360 supports the delivery-focused initiatives of the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance in becoming a globally competitive innovation and technology hub. The opportunities for electrification, foiling, and introducing other low-emissions technologies to New Zealand are abundant.
“Ultimately, this is the best way forward for our country. We have the talent and innovators here who are already driving the technology forward, and I’m sure many new tech innovators are bubbling at the surface. What’s happening now is simply a preview of what’s to come for on-water travel in New Zealand and globally.”
