NEOM, a sustainable city under construction in Saudi Arabia, has placed an order for eight Candela P-12s, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ships. These ships use 80% less energy than traditional vessels and offer longer range and endurance. This order is the largest ever for Candela Technology AB, a company based in Stockholm.
The P-12 ships glide above the water on computer-controlled underwater wings, allowing them to be energy-efficient while reaching speeds of 25 knots and sustaining over two hours of travel time. They are designed to help operators move towards more sustainable fleets by cutting operational costs by up to 50%.
Candela, founded in 2014, plans to deliver the first batch of these vessels between 2025 and early 2026. CEO and founder Gustav Hasselskog stated that the P-12 is built to provide zero-emission water transport with significant advantages over traditional ferry systems. Unlike the larger, slower, and less efficient ferries, the Candela P-12 is a smaller, faster option, enabling more frequent departures and shorter travel times.
The Candela P-12, launched in 2023, is expected to debut in Stockholm's public transport in the fall of 2024. Its advanced hydrofoil technology, powered by a Flight controller, ensures a smooth ride even in rough weather, reducing the impact of waves by 90% compared to traditional boats. According to a study by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the P-12 emits 97.5% less CO2 over its lifetime compared to a diesel-powered vessel of similar size.
The ship's electric motors, housed in underwater pods, operate silently and with minimal impact on marine life. When in motion, the P-12 creates almost no wake, allowing for faster journeys compared to traditional ships, which are often limited by their large and disruptive wakes.
Hasselskog emphasized that the Candela P-12 is designed with both passengers and the environment in mind, promising short wait times, fast connections, and a comfortable travel experience without harming the environment through wakes, emissions, or noise.
After five years of research and development, Candela introduced the world’s first electric hydrofoil leisure boat, the Candela C-7, in 2019. This was followed by the Candela C-8 in 2022, which was delivered to its first customers in early 2023. Over 150 units of the award-winning C-8 have been sold so far.
