Expert Q&A: Electrically-powered hydrofoiling boats

Electrically-powered hydrofoiling boats are making waves around the world, with new ferry services set to get underway soon in cities such as Stockholm and Auckland. The Engineer caught up with experts from three companies leading the charge to find out what’s driving the boom and where the nascent segment is heading.

Mikael Mahlberg - Head of Comms & Test Pilot, Candela
Eric Laakmann - CEO, Vessev
Simon Schofield - CTO, BAR Technologies

Why has hydrofoiling become a breakthrough marine technology in recent years?

SS: Hydrofoiling has been about for many years, but in the past its efficiency was superseded by other technologies. However, advancements in control engineering technology, simulation, and materials means we can now build much more efficient hydrofoils, which consume much less energy. With the advent of boat electrification, and the resultant challenges around the number of batteries required, it’s important to minimise the amount of energy you’re using. A foiling boat at high speed uses 70 - 80% less energy than a traditional vessel, which goes hand-in-hand with making electric boats both highly efficient and usable.