Swedish electric boat developer Candela proudly announced Thursday the successful passenger test flight completion of its flying electric ferry P-12 outside Stockholm.
This significant marine transport advancement signifies the first-ever electric hydrofoil passenger ship in the world to take flight and begin serial production.
According to the press release, Candela P-12 pre-production ship “Zero” made its first flight with a take-off speed. It reached the claimed top speed of 16 knots in just 16 seconds.
“In a game-changing moment akin to the Wright brothers’ historic flight, our pioneering electric hydrofoil passenger ship, the P-12, has successfully taken flight outside Stockholm. This amazing vessel is set to outperform diesel counterparts by halving travel times and significantly boosting operator profits.”
Candela
Candela commences P-12 production
Apart from the successful passenger test flight, Candela also announced that it has officially begun the serial production of the electric hydrofoil passenger ship at its Stockholm factory.
“We’re now jump-starting production to keep up with demand.”
Candela Founder Gustav Hasselskog
The company expects the second P-12 vessel to join the country’s public transportation system as early as next year and transfer passengers between the island suburb of Ekerö and the city center.
It is a significant development, as the P-12 effectively reduces commuting times from the standard 55 minutes to just 25 minutes.
Forbes also noted that the Candela P-12 can aid operators in reducing fuel costs by up to 90% than traditional diesel-powered vessels.
“Today, in many cities, roads are congested while the waterways – mankind’s oldest infrastructure – is unused for fast commuting. The P-12 offers a path to use these waterways as green highways, offering fast intra city connections. The quickest way is often over water”.
Candela Founder Gustav Hasselskog
Here is the comparison between a traditional diesel ferry and Candela P-12:
| Traditional diesel ferry | Candela P-12 | Reduction | |
| Engine power | 589 kW | 44 kW | 85 % |
| Consumption at service speed (kWh/Nm) | 36 kWh | 5 kWh | 86 % |
| Cost of fuel/energy at service speed (€/h) | 90 € | 17 € | 81 % |
| Local emissions (g Co2/h) | 13,640 g | 0 € | 100 % |
Candela P-12 key specs
| Specs | Candela P-12 |
| Length | 11.99 meters |
| Beam | 4.5 meters |
| Weight | 9.5 tonnes |
| Capacity | 30 passengers, seated |
| Propulsion | 2 x Candela C-POD |
| Batteries | 252 kWh |
| Charging | up to 175 kW DC |
| Top Speed | 30 knots |
| Service Speed | 25-27 knots |
| Range | 40-50 nautical miles at 25 knots service speed |
| Price (Shuttle) | €1.7M |
Candela’s major improvements in its electric hydrofoil passenger ship development are undoubtedly a significant boost in the world’s shift to more sustainable transportation. It can potentially address the top barriers impeding the widespread uptake of electric, fast passenger ships, such as low range and slow speeds.
