The world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry line, Candela P-12, recently tackled its maiden voyage in Tappström, a suburb in Stockholm.
The ferry, nicknamed Nova, completed its 15km route to Stockholm’s City Hall in 30 minutes, reducing typical journey times by up to half.
Candela’s P-12 is the first ferry in the company’s line to enter active service, with operation driven entirely by electric motors. Computer-controlled hydrofoil wings allow the vessel to remain above water, reducing up to 80% of a typical unit’s energy consumption by cutting friction when traversing the water.
With the vehicles placement during travel, the resulting wake is greatly reduced, allowing for permission to travel at higher speeds within city limits compared to other vehicles within the operation areas.
Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela, says:In many cities, the shortest route is over water, which is humanity’s oldest infrastructure. Today, our waterways are underutilized due to the high costs, wake concerns, and emissions of traditional vessels. If we can unlock this potential, we can make cities more attractive.
For the first time, there is a vessel that makes waterborne transport faster, greener, and more affordable than land transport. It’s a renaissance for the world’s waterways, and it’s exciting that Stockholm is leading the way
The vessel touts a cruising speed of 25 knots, making it not only the fastest in Stockholm’s public transport fleet, but internationally.
Thus far, Candela has received orders from Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Berlin, among other unannounced clients.
