The world is witnessing a notable shift in maritime transport technologies, with renewed interest in hydrofoil boats often described as “flying boats.” Originally developed to increase speed, these vessels are now gaining attention as a cleaner mode of water transport. By lifting the hull above the water’s surface, hydrofoils significantly reduce drag and wave resistance, cutting energy use and emissions.
The Hydrofoil Boat Patent
The concept dates back to the mid-19th century. In the 1860s, a rowing boat appeared in France that rose above the water on wing-like supports—an unusual sight at the time, according to the BBC. This early experiment is believed to have been inspired by a patent filed in 1869 by Parisian inventor Emmanuel Denis Farcot. Over the following decades, innovators continued to refine the idea. Among the pioneers was Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini, who successfully tested a hydrofoil on Lake Maggiore in 1906. Later, Scottish inventor Alexander Graham Bell developed advanced models, most notably the HD-4, which exceeded 70 miles per hour and set a world speed record.
Professor Jakob Kuttenkeuler, a professor of naval engineering at Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology, explains that hydrofoil vessels introduced unprecedented advantages, including high speeds and dramatically reduced water resistance—qualities that are now being repurposed to support clean transportation goals.
After a brief surge of interest in the 1960s, hydrofoil technology is experiencing a strong comeback, driven by the global transition toward electrification and the gradual move away from fossil fuels.
Battery Innovation and the Revival of Hydrofoils
Advances in lightweight batteries, composite materials, and precision sensors have played a key role in reviving hydrofoil technology. Modern designs often rely on a single streamlined foil, electronically controlled to automatically stabilize the vessel and optimize performance.
Kuttenkeuler—often referred to as the “godfather of hydrofoils”—is among the leading figures in this field and the inventor behind the popular eFoil, which has attracted athletes and celebrities worldwide.
In public transport, the high fuel consumption of conventional boats prompted Swedish engineer Gustav Hasselskog to found a company that became a pioneer in electric hydrofoil ferries. Stockholm has already launched real-world trials of these ferries, which can cut energy consumption by up to 80 percent and reduce travel times by nearly half.
The success of the technology has extended beyond Europe to countries including India, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives, and the United States. Meanwhile, U.S.-based developers are working on the first hydrofoil vessel capable of carrying up to 150 passengers.
Despite ongoing challenges such as long-distance travel limitations and the risk of collisions with floating debris—experts expect hydrofoil boats to continue expanding as materials science, electrification, and artificial intelligence advance. In the decades ahead, they are likely to become a key pillar of sustainable maritime transport.
