Pi Campus has invested in Seachange, a New Zealand startup developing electric hydrofoiling ferries, promising faster and more sustainable coastal travel.

Information on the Target

Seachange is an innovative startup founded in 2017 in New Zealand, dedicated to revolutionizing marine transportation through its electric hydrofoiling ferry designed for both cars and passengers. The company is spearheaded by Max Olson, a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in marine projects, alongside Frederick King, a former product engineer from a Swedish velomobile startup, and Adam Flynn, previously the first engineer at Wish. The company's vision centers on creating a ferry service that operates every 20 minutes without the need for advance bookings.

Seachange's hydrofoiling technology allows it to build ferries that are three times faster than traditional bunker-fueled vessels, while also being more cost-effective to construct and operate. The startup has already developed a scaled prototype of their ferry, known as the Foil 40, and plans to launch a full-scale model capable of carrying six cars and 30 passengers within 100 kilometers by spring 2023.

Industry Overview in New Zealand

The maritime transportation industry in New Zealand has long been characterized by traditional, fuel-dependent vessels. With a growing awareness of environmental sustainability, there is an increasin