Sweden’s Candela has introduced the first electric hydrofoil ferry into public service, with the Candela P-12 Nova now operating in Stockholm’s transit system. The vessel commenced its pilot operations on October 29th, departing at 07:15 a.m. from Tappstrom and completing the 15-kilometer (9-mile) route to Stockholm’s City Hall in ~30 minutes. This marks a significant reduction in transit time for commuters, nearly halving the duration of a typical journey on conventional ferries.
The Candela P-12 Nova, with a 30-passenger capacity, operates on advanced hydrofoil technology that lifts its hull above water, cutting water friction and reducing energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional vessels. The ferry’s electric motors, combined with Candela’s proprietary C-POD propulsion system, produce minimal noise and allow the vessel to cruise at 25 knots, making it both the fastest electric ferry in the world and the fastest in Stockholm’s public fleet, surpassing the previous diesel-powered V-class ferries.
Hydrofoiling not only improves efficiency but also addresses urban maritime challenges by minimizing wake and allowing higher speeds within regulated zones. Stockholm’s 70 public transport vessels currently use more fossil fuels than its bus and train fleets combined, contributing to higher emissions and limiting vessel speeds due to wake restrictions. Candela’s design enables the Nova to travel swiftly through city waterways without wake disturbance, supporting Stockholm’s renewable energy goals and offering a viable alternative to the city’s diesel fleet.
Ekero, a rapidly growing island suburb, is just 15 kilometers from central Stockholm, but traditional ferry commutes typically take an hour due to speed limitations. The Nova reduces this travel time to 30 minutes, connecting Ekerö more directly to the capital. Unlike many electric vessels, the P-12 Nova requires no special dock infrastructure, charging at standard fast-charging stations at City Hall. Its battery capacity enables continuous operation on a regular schedule, with charging intervals during midday breaks.
The P-12 Nova will operate through autumn until the seasonal ice freeze, with services resuming in spring 2025 and continuing until August. The pilot project is a collaboration between Candela, Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration), and Region Stockholm (SL), aimed at assessing the feasibility of hydrofoil technology in achieving high-speed, emission-free urban maritime transport.
The P-12 Nova has already garnered international interest, with orders from Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Berlin, solidifying Candela’s impact on the maritime industry and setting the stage for expanded adoption of hydrofoil ferries in public transit networks worldwide.