Candela’s P-12 promises faster travel times, lower emissions with hydrofoil technology
Gridlocked roads plaguing major Asian cities could soon find relief on the water, thanks to a revolutionary electric ferry developed by Swedish tech company Candela. The Candela P-12, dubbed the world’s fastest electric ship, boasts a unique hydrofoil technology that promises to slash travel times and emissions.
The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed a dramatic rise in traffic congestion as economic activity booms. This translates to frustrated commuters stuck in hours-long jams and worsening air quality due to diesel-powered ferries.
Candela aims to disrupt this status quo with the P-12, which will be showcased at the upcoming Singapore Yacht Festival alongside the opening of the company’s new APAC office.
“Across Asia, from sprawling archipelagos to bustling metropolises, we see a tremendous demand for sustainable transport solutions that can alleviate congestion and emissions,” said Björn Antonsson, Candela’s newly appointed Regional CEO for Asia-Pacific. “Our technology offers faster journeys, lower operational costs, and zero emissions.”
The P-12’s secret lies in computer-controlled underwater wings that lift the vessel out of the water at high speeds, significantly reducing drag. This innovation allows the ferry to achieve a staggering 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional ferries, all while reaching speeds of 25 knots (approximately 46 km/h) with a range of 100 kilometers on a single charge – a first for electric ferries.
The eco-friendly vessel also boasts minimal wake generation and near-silent operation, further enhancing passenger comfort and environmental impact. Designed for multi-modal transport, the P-12 comfortably seats 30 passengers and includes storage for luggage and bicycles.
Following its successful launch in Stockholm last year, the P-12 is set to become fully operational in the city’s public transport system later in 2024. Asia will see its first P-12 line launched in New Zealand in 2025, with Meridian operating the ferry on the picturesque Lake Manapouri.
The P-12’s minimal wake generation has a surprising benefit – exemptions from speed restrictions. In Stockholm, this has translated to a reduction in commute times from 55 minutes by car to just 25 minutes by ferry.
“Enticing people back to public transport requires offering superior comfort, faster travel times, and greater convenience,” said Antonsson. “Many Asian countries have a history of embracing cutting-edge technologies, and we believe the P-12 can be a game-changer for urban transportation in the region, just like it is in Stockholm.”
Candela highlights the potential of waterways, humanity’s oldest transportation infrastructure, to be unlocked for sustainable transportation.
Beyond ferries, Candela will also showcase its best-selling electric leisure boat, the Candela C-8, at the Singapore Yacht Festival. This vessel utilizes the same hydrofoil technology as the P-12, offering a combination of speed, range, and a quiet, luxurious experience on the water.
“We see a booming market for premium recreational boats in places like Australia and New Zealand, and the rest of the region shows great promise,” said Antonsson. “The Singapore Yacht Festival will be the first time Candela’s hydrofoil technology is seen in Asia, and we’re excited to introduce both the C-8 and the P-12 to the region.”