Electric Hydrofoil Ferry

The Candela P-12 is an innovative electric boat that uses 100% renewable electricity to operate. Soon, it will be running a pilot service, connecting Eker?, a rapidly expanding island suburb near Stockholm, to the city center. By using only renewable energy, the P-12 significantly reduces emissions and environmental impact compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered ferries.

Designed for urban water transport, this pilot aims to showcase how renewable-powered electric boats can support eco-friendly commuting in growing cities like Stockholm. The Candela P-12 also offers a cleaner, quieter travel experience, setting a model for sustainable public transport solutions in waterways.

The Candela P-12, nicknamed Nova, has launched as the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry in Stockholm, Sweden. This innovative ferry departed from Tappstr?m, a suburb of Stockholm, powered by its efficient electric motors. What sets the Nova apart is its hydrofoil technology: once it reaches a certain speed, the vessel rises about one meter above the water’s surface on its hydrofoils, reducing drag and allowing it to travel faster and more smoothly.

On its maiden 15-kilometer journey to Stockholm’s City Hall, Nova completed the route in just over 30 minutes—quickly and silently, without the noise or emissions typical of traditional ferries. The Candela P-12’s combination of electric power and hydrofoil design offers a sustainable and quiet alternative for urban water transit, marking a significant step toward eco-friendly public transportation.

Commuting by Hydrofoil

The new Candela P-12 hydrofoil ferry has launched a pilot route from Eker?, a fast-growing island suburb of Stockholm, to the city center—a distance of 15 kilometers. Traditional ferries or bus/metro commutes usually take about an hour for this route, slowed by speed restrictions or heavy traffic congestion. The Candela P-12, however, reduces the travel time to just 30 minutes, effectively making Eker? feel much closer to the heart of Stockholm.

This P-12 model, the first of its kind, operates with computer-controlled hydrofoil wings that lift its hull above the water. This lift significantly reduces water resistance, allowing the ferry to cut its energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional vessels. Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela, explained the innovation, noting that while most ships have seen little advancement in energy efficiency over the past century, the P-12 sets a new standard, making it far more efficient than traditional modes of transport on water, even outshining the energy profile of a battle tank.

“In many cities, the shortest route is over water, which is humanity’s oldest infrastructure”

Conventional fast vessels face a significant challenge due to their high energy consumption when traveling at speed, as they push through the water rather than gliding over it. This high energy demand makes it difficult to effectively electrify these vessels, as their range remains limited even with large batteries.

In contrast, the Candela P-12, named Nova, operates differently by flying above the water on hydrofoils. This design drastically reduces the amount of wake it creates, which is a disruptive wave caused by traditional vessels moving through the water. Because of this minimal wake production, Nova is permitted to travel at high speeds within city limits, where other vessels are typically restricted by wake regulations.

Furthermore, Nova runs entirely on 100% renewable electricity, aligning with Region Stockholm's goal to transition all vessels to renewable energy. It operates quietly at high speeds, thanks to its electric C-POD motors, which lack a mechanical transmission, thus minimizing noise pollution as well. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of the ferry but also contributes to reducing emissions and environmental disruption in the region.

Nova, claimed to be the fastest electric ferry in operation globally and the quickest in Stockholm's public transport fleet, cruises at a speed of 25 knots. This outpaces the previous speed record held by diesel-powered V-class ferries.

Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of Candela, noted that many urban areas have waterways that are underutilized due to the costs and environmental concerns associated with traditional vessels. By unlocking this potential, cities can become more attractive for transportation.

Nova's energy efficiency allows it to charge at a standard car fast charger at the City Hall, eliminating the need for expensive dock infrastructure. Its long range enables it to maintain schedules similar to conventional diesel ferries, with recharging done during typical lunch breaks.

The ferry will operate as a pilot project through autumn 2024, resuming in spring 2025, as part of a collaboration between Candela, Trafikverket, and Region Stockholm. This project aims to explore how hydrofoil technology can facilitate faster, more affordable, and emissions-free maritime travel in Stockholm. In 2024, Candela also received orders for additional ferries from clients in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Berlin.

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