MobyFly, the Valais-based start-up founded by world champion windsurfer Anders Bringdal, civil and computer engineer Ricardo Bencatel, and entrepreneur Sue Putallaz, aims to revolutionise the marine mass transit sector with its zero-emission hydrofoil boats. The goal is to transport passengers without polluting either air or water. Its first boats should be ready to set sail in autumn 2025, according to a recent article by the Swiss business and financial publication, L’AGEFI.
MobyFly’s major innovation is the use of foils, similar to those used on yachts competing in the America’s Cup. “The foils are underwater wings that lift the boat out of the water, significantly reducing drag and therefore, energy consumption,” explains Sue Putallaz in the article. This technology saves up to 94% of the energy used by a traditional boat.
The development means that MobyFly can achieve a cruising speed of 38 knots, or 70 km/h, with a significant range. Electric or hydrogen engines do not emit any greenhouse gases. “No CO2 emissions, no waves, no noise and a very pleasant, comfortable user experience,” summarises Sue Putallaz.
Focus on mass transit
Commercial boats account for over 90% of CO2 emissions in Switzerland’s maritime sector. MobyFly is therefore focusing on mass transit. “It’s easier to have a swift impact on the maritime sector than on aviation,” comments Sue Putallaz, noting that the two sectors combined transport over two billion passengers a year. A trip from Lausanne to Le Bouveret, for example, can be cut to around 30 minutes by hydrofoil, compared with 45 minutes by car or over an hour by train.
MobyFly’s boats also meet specific public transport requirements, because they can be moored in relatively shallow ports. “The foils can be folded up or raised completely, like bird wings. Our patented, retractable design allows our boats to sail in 50 cm of water,” explains Sue Putallaz.
Three sizes of boat and CHF 300 million in planned orders
The start-up has developed three sizes of boat, capable of carrying up to a maximum of 30 passengers, between 60 and 120 passengers and finally, up to 350 passengers, respectively. The price of a hydrofoil boat varies from CHF 1.6 million to over 15 million, depending on size. MobyFly works solely in the BtoB sector and has already signed its first contracts. Planned orders of over CHF 300 million are mainly for small and mid-sized boats.
The start-up made an initial call to raise funds from professional investors to finalise its prototype in July 2021. This was launched in December 2022 and is currently being tested to develop a commercial model. MobyFly is now in the process of raising CHF 10 million to produce and market its products on an industrial scale, with a market launch scheduled for autumn 2025.
Source : AGEFI, article by Laure Wagner (summer series on 10 Swiss firms changing the world)