MobyFly, founded by world windsurfing champion Anders Bringdal, engineer Ricardo Bencatel and entrepreneur Sue Putallaz, is preparing to transform mass shipping with its eco-friendly hydrofoils. According to a recent AGEFI article written by Laure Wagner, the first ships should be in service from autumn 2025.
MobyFly’s main innovation is the use of foils, similar to those used in the America’s Cup. ‘These underwater wings lift the boat above the water, considerably reducing drag and therefore energy consumption,’ explains Sue Putallaz. Thanks to this technology, hydrofoils can save up to 94% energy compared with traditional boats.
MobyFly’s boats, equipped with electric or hydrogen motors, can reach a cruising speed of 38 knots (70 km/h) and still have a long range. ‘No CO2 emissions, no waves, no noise and very comfortable for the user,’ sums up Sue Putallaz.
Focus on mass transportation
In Switzerland, commercial vessels are responsible for more than 90% of CO2 emissions in the maritime sector, which has prompted MobyFly to focus on mass transport. ‘It’s easier to take swift action in the maritime sector than in aviation,’ says Sue Putallaz, pointing out that the two sectors transport more than 2 billion passengers a year. For example, a journey between Lausanne and Le Bouveret can be reduced to around thirty minutes by hydrofoil, compared with forty-five minutes by car or over an hour by train.
MobyFly’s hydrofoils are also designed to meet the specific requirements of public transport, such as docking in shallow ports. ’The foils can fold in or out completely, like a bird’s wing. Our retractable patents allow you to sail in 50 cm of water. ,” explains Sue Putallaz.
Three boat sizes and significant order intentions
MobyFly offers three sizes of hydrofoil: maximum capacity of 30 passengers, 60 to 120 passengers, and up to 350 passengers. The cost varies from 1.6 million francs to more than 15 million, depending on the size. The start-up, which operates exclusively on a B-to-B basis, has already signed a number of contracts, with orders in excess of 300 million francs, mainly for small and medium-sized boats.
After raising its first funds in July 2021, MobyFly launched its prototype in December 2022 and is now testing its business model. The start-up is in the process of raising CHF 10 million to move on to the industrialisation and marketing of its products, with a market launch planned for autumn 2025.
A global presence envisaged
Although Switzerland accounts for around 5% of the global market, MobyFly plans to deliver around thirty boats in the country, particularly on Lake Geneva. The start-up is focusing primarily on the European market, but is also targeting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and French Polynesia.
