Electric hydrofoil pioneer Vessev appoints seasoned marine industry expert John Scott as Board Chairman

New Zealand-based Vessev, a global leader in sustainable marine technology, has announced the appointment of highly experienced marine industry expert John Scott as Chairman of the Board. 

Bolstering Vessev’s senior leadership team, Scott was previously CEO at self-service payment technology company Invenco and prior to that had spent 14 years at Navico in executive positions. Navico is one of the largest marine electrics companies in the world and during his time at Navico, Scott played a key role in the acquisition of the Navico Group by the Brunswick Corporation in 2021. 

Recently showcasing its VS—9 electric hydrofoil, complete with cabin and interior for the first time, Vessev’s momentum is rapidly accelerating. Production of VS—9s has already begun with the first vessel now in commercial service operated by the largest ferry operator in New Zealand – Fullers360. Thanks to a unique blend of stylish cabin design and unparalleled comfort, more akin to flying than boating, the nine-meter VS—9 can transport 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots and is set to open-up entirely new opportunities for water transport and tourism. 

Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann commented: “We are thrilled to welcome John as Chairman of the Board. He is a highly accomplished leader with a proven track record of building and scaling exceptional companies across all stages of growth. With 25 years of global experience spanning operations, design, supply chain, technical development, procurement, and delivery, his expertise is both extensive and invaluable.

“In the marine industry, John has played a pivotal role in multiple acquisitions and investment rounds, bringing a wealth of strategic insight. He joins Vessev at a defining moment, as our first product enters commercial service, and I have no doubt that his leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to propel a more liveable world.”

Vessev Board Chairman John Scott commented: ”I’m excited to be joining the Vessev team and contributing in any way I can. The work this team is undertaking represents a paradigm shift for the entire marine industry, one that will, in time, become the norm. With physics on our side, success is simply a matter of overcoming technology hurdles, after which progress will follow naturally.

“New Zealand’s unique mindset and ecosystem encompassing world-class boat designers, manufacturers, America’s Cup expertise, advanced electronics, and even space technology enables us to assemble a team unmatched anywhere else in the world. Eric and Max have brought together an exceptional group of talent, something only possible when tackling an endeavor this ambitious. The coming years will be an exciting journey as we once again showcase what New Zealand is capable of.”

While the initial VS—9 is configured for premium transportation experiences, the platform has been designed from the start to be flexible and scalable. Being a catamaran with a flat wing-deck from bow to stern presents many different options for configuration.

Utilising the design of the VS—9, Vessev is already working through further enhancements to the vessel’s performance and applying their learnings to plans for larger foiling vessels with capacity for more passengers and suitable for a range of routes. The team at Vessev is now scaling its operation with multiple products in development.