The urgent need for safety and performance standards to protect consumers, ensure consistent design, and mitigate risk to protect was one of the key topics discussed at the World Foiling Congress 2025.
Over the course of the Congress, organised by The Foiling Organization, industry experts also discussed the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the hydrofoiling sector, fostering consensus around future actions.
The need for strategies regarding standardisation and certification in the fast-growing sector was also discussed.
The opening panel was dedicated to e-foils, boards, and personal watercraft (PWC) with Katja Berkhout, MD – Fliteboard EMEA, introducing Flite’s approach to e-foiling.
The second panel focused on commercial and high-speed craft, examining the adoption of hydrofoil technology in passenger ferries, pilot boats, and utility vessels.
Performance requirements
Participants discussed the practical and regulatory complexities involved in integrating foils into commercial maritime operations, highlighting the need to adapt the IMO High-Speed Craft Code to reflect the specific safety and performance requirements of hydrofoils.
The third panel, titled Flag and Decrees – Legal Pathway for Hydrofoils, explored the legislative and administrative adaptations required for hydrofoils to gain flag state recognition and compliance under European and national legal frameworks.
The fourth panel tackled the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) + The Foiling Organization Certification programme, addressing the challenges of incorporating hydrofoils within the RCD framework, which governs the design, manufacture, and sale of recreational boats in the European Union.
Hydrofoil technology
The final thematic panel examined Manned and Unmanned Search and Rescue and Naval Operations Vessels, focusing on cutting-edge applications of hydrofoil technology in security, defense, and emergency response sectors.
Organisers say the Congress united a broad spectrum of industry voices and technical experts, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and shared vision.
“The outcomes of the discussions set a clear agenda for future regulatory alignment, certification standardisation, and cross-sector cooperation, supporting the sustainable growth of the hydrofoiling industry at a global scale,” said a spokesperson.
