Innovative Kiwi vessel breaks into European market

Commercial vessel operators around the world are recognising opportunities unlocked by incorporating electric hydrofoils into their businesses.

Finn Lough, a luxury lakeside eco resort in Northern Ireland, will become the first hospitality destination in Europe to offer its guests journeys via electric hydrofoiling vessel, as it incorporates a VS–9 catamaran designed and made by New Zealand marine tech innovator Vessev, into its offering.

In partnering with Vessev to provide smooth, silent and clean alternatives to road-based transport around the lough, Finn Lough is showcasing the possibilities that electric hydrofoiling vessels afford tourism and transport operators.

By flying above the water and reducing drag, the VS–9 offers a smooth, silent ride that’s energy efficient, reducing energy costs by up to 90%.

Propelled by an electric motor, the vessel provides long-range, high-speed marine transport that produces no on-board emissions and doesn’t require specialised high-powered charging infrastructure.

Vessev is now upscaling production to meet predicted global demand.

Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann said operators across luxury hospitality, tourism, and transport sectors were recognising the value that electric hydrofoiling vessels unlock for passengers and business.

“A flight on a VS–9 offers passengers an unforgettable experience, while creating opportunities for operators." he said.

"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.

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,” he said.

New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, operates a VS–9, Kermadec, on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.

Vessev says it is scaling production facilities to meet global demand.

The VS–9 will arrive at Finn Lough in 2026.

A bright new future for Hook Island

The Whitsundays is poised to get a new luxury resort. 

Sydney-based hospitality group Epochal Hotels has unveiled plans for a $40 million development of long-abandoned Hook Island, which was acquired in 2022by developer Glenn Piper.

The island was home to Hook Island Lodge which closed down in 2013 after Cyclone Anthony. 

Epochal Hotels plans to build a new eco-lodge that it says will set “a bold new standard for sustainable luxury travel in Australia,” Business News Australia reports.

Epochal Hotels, headed by Piper, has a portfolio of seven hotels and hospitality venues including the Harbord Hotel in Sydney and The Beach Hotel Merewether in Newcastle.

Piper is also founder of Meridian Australia, a Sydney-based investment real estate agency that provides market insights, research and education services to property investors.

Piper, along with a group of investors, bought the leasehold to the 9.3-hectare Whitsundays island in 2022 with plans to develop a new resort experience on the site. Buildings on the island were cleared following further damage to the resort caused by Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

The Epochal Hotels proposal comprises 39 biophilic cabins, an arrival pavilion, two separate experiences, forest eco pools, wellness spaces and a range of adventure activities which the company says are all inspired by the island’s landscapes and pristine waters.

"Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world - its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm,” says Piper.

“Our vision is bold: to create an experience that redefines luxury travel through a deep, authentic and wild-spirited connection to nature.

"This project has been a labour of love; we’ve poured our hearts into blending thoughtful design with a profound respect for the island’s heritage and delicate ecosystem.

“After being closed for more than a decade, we can’t wait to soon welcome overnight guests and day visitors alike to experience its magic first hand.”

The new structures will comprise cyclone-resistant, modular architecture designed to blend harmoniously with the island’s natural contours, while extensive tree surveys have guided building placements to preserve native plants and habitats.

Epochal Hotels is taking a phased approach to development to minimise its footprint, with measures in place to prevent erosion, manage waste and reduce noise pollution. 

Once open in 2027, daily operations will emphasise water-efficient systems, recycled wastewater irrigation and eco-friendly appliances to sustain resources.

“We know we have some of the world’s most spectacular islands and this development will allow visitors from around Queensland, Australia and the globe to experience this natural beauty up close,” says Andrew Powell, the Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism.

“After experiencing the natural wonders of Queensland, we know visitors will become passionate advocates to protect these fantastic areas.”

See https://epochalhotels.com.au/