In 2025, Lake Manapouri in New Zealand will witness the debut of the Candela P-12, an innovative 'flying' electric ferry. This marks the first instance of the Swedish-made ferry being delivered to a customer outside of Europe.
Primarily serving Meridian Energy staff and contractors attending to the Manapouri Power Station, the nation's largest hydro power facility, the Candela P-12 will offer daily transport services.
Candela Technology estimates that the vessel will annually save 240 tons of carbon emissions, an amount equivalent to removing 52 petrol cars from the roads. Meridian Energy sees the electric shuttle ferry as a pivotal tool in its emissions reduction strategy for internal transport, aligning with its target of halving emissions by 2030.
The unique design of the Candela P-12 gives it an appearance of flight, achieved through computer-guided hydrofoils that elevate the hull above the water's surface at high speeds. This design innovation purportedly reduces energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional vessels. Operating at a cruise speed of 25 knots, the ferry's minimal wake, measuring less than 15 cm high, aims to preserve the pristine shoreline of Lake Manapouri, renowned as New Zealand's most beautiful lake.
To ensure passenger comfort, an onboard flight controller employs sensors to gauge wave height ahead of the vessel, adjusting the hydrofoils' angle 100 times per second to mitigate motion sickness-inducing pitching and slamming, thus offering a smooth ride experience.