E-Newsletter #13

Hyke Shuttle enters service in Fredrikstad, Norway.

A glimpse into the future: Hyke Shuttle enters service in Norway

On 17 April, the fully electric Hyke Shuttle entered commercial service in the municipality of Fredrikstad, Norway. This marks a major milestone in the evolution of sustainable maritime transport. While it may not match the speed of a hydrofoil, the Hyke stands out for its intelligent design, a generous 50-passenger capacity, and a strong emphasis on accessibility, setting a new standard for next-generation ferries.

Unlike hydrofoils, which lift above the water’s surface, the Hyke Shuttle is a displacement vessel, designed to glide smoothly through the water. This results in a quieter, more stable ride and allows for greater passenger capacity, making it well suited to short, high-frequency urban routes.

Among its most innovative features is fully autonomous operation, including auto-docking and self-charging at each terminal. The vessel is equipped with solar cells that help supplement its energy use, improving energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. These advances support reliable scheduling, lower running costs, and quiet, emissions-free service.

Designed with universal access in mind, the Hyke comfortably accommodates wheelchairs, bicycles, and prams, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can travel with ease.

Earlier in 2024, Hyke’s development team proposed a draft route plan for the Woy Woy to Gosford corridor, estimating a 28-minute journey at a service speed of 8 knots with vessels leaving every 15 minutes during peak hour. While slower than a hydrofoil crossing, the Hyke’s smooth boarding, autonomous operation, and zero-emission design make it a strong candidate for future deployment on the Central Coast.

As Brisbane Waters WaterBUS continues to explore clean and accessible ferry options for the region, Norway’s Hyke Shuttle provides a timely example of what’s possible when smart design meets sustainable technology.

To learn more about Hyke, visit their website at Hyke ⧉.

Gosford Central District [1], the West Brisbane Water District [2], the Peninsula District [3], and the East Brisbane Water District [4], surround the Brisbane Water.

Revitalising transport across the Brisbane Water

The Central Coast is home to 351,934 residents across 1,682 km². Notably, 30 percent of the population live within just 157 km² around the Brisbane Water, spanning four key districts: the Gosford Central District, the West Brisbane Water District, the Peninsula District, and the East Brisbane Water District. The Peninsula District is the most densely populated, with 38,280 residents, and includes the strategically located coastal suburbs of Woy Woy and Ettalong.

A waterbus service between Woy Woy and Gosford, with future extension to Ettalong, offers benefits far beyond fare revenue. It creates employment opportunities across ferry operations, maintenance, administration, and support services. It boosts local commerce by increasing visitor foot traffic, and it enhances the value and usability of waterfront areas through better connectivity. The service also supports broader regional goals of reducing car dependence and encouraging urban consolidation.

Sustainability is central to the proposal. Plans include the use of electric ferry technology, solar-powered terminals, and alignment with state environmental targets. By reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, the service would help lower regional transport emissions and appeal to ESG-focused investors.

In summary, the proposed Woy Woy to Gosford waterbus is a scalable, low-emission transport solution that addresses regional mobility needs while delivering strong economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Learn more about the the Vessev VS-9

The VS-9 is a remarkable 10-seat electric hydrofoil that began commercial service in New Zealand earlier this year. We hosted their CEO Eric Laakmann at a Public Q&A at Woy Woy Library in March. This short video highlights the cutting-edge technology and the dedicated team behind its development.

To learn more about Vessev, visit their website at Vessev ⧉.

What's next for May 2025? ✨

This month, we are finalising the business case and working our presentations.

If you have not already done so, please remember to subscribe to our e-newsletter and share details of the waterbus project with family, friends, and colleagues.

Thank you for your continued support of the Brisbane Waters WaterBUS initiative. Together, we’re creating meaningful change for our community!