Candela: ‘World’s first’ electric hydrofoil ferry enters service

Candela, a Swedish maker of sustainable, electric hydrofoil vessels, has marked a new milestone as its P-12 Nova, described as the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, began operations in Stockholm.

In the early morning of October 29, Nova, the first of Candela’s new P-12 model to enter service, departed from its dock in Tappström and completed the 15-kilometer route to Stockholm’s City Hall in 30 minutes, cutting the usual commute in half, Candela reported.

As disclosed, Nova will operate through fall 2024 until the waters freeze, resuming service in spring and continuing through August 2025. The route is a pilot project run by Candela, Trafikverket, and Region Stockholm (SL), aiming to explore how hydrofoil technology can enable faster, more affordable, and emissions-free maritime travel, creating new transit patterns in Stockholm.

The electric hydrofoil ferry flies above the water rather than pushing through it like conventional vessels, creating a minimal wake. As a result, the ferry is allowed to travel at high speeds within the city limits, whereas other vessels are restricted by wake regulations.

Its computer-controlled hydrofoil wings lift the hull above water, reducing energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional vessels by cutting water friction.

Nova runs on 100% renewable electricity and emits minimal noise even at high speeds, thanks to its electric C-POD motors with no mechanical transmission, Candela explained.

What is more, the vessel is said to be the fastest electric ferry in the world as well as the fastest in Stockholm’s public transport fleet, cruising at 25 knots—outpacing the diesel-powered V-class ferries that previously held the speed record.

“This is a paradigm shift for urban transport and a revival of our waterways,” said Gustav Hasselskog, Founder and CEO of Candela.

“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.”

Earlier this year, Candela secured a deal to supply a fleet of P-12 electric hydrofoil ships for NEOM, a sustainable “megacity project” in Saudi Arabia. The first batch of eight vessels will be delivered in 2025 and early 2026.