Press release -
Candela P-12 flying electric ferry to serve as commuter vessel in Gothenburg
The world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, Candela P-12, will operate a pilot commuter line between Gothenburg and Öckerö for two weeks in collaboration with Västtrafik. The aim is to show how the archipelago can benefit from faster, more comfortable, and completely emission-free travel.
Between September 8 and 19, commuters traveling between Öckerö ferry terminal and Stenpiren in Gothenburg will have the chance to ride the Swedish-built Candela P-12 – the first electric vessel that uses hydrofoils (underwater wings) to “fly” above the surface. Thanks to this technology, the Candela P-12 is significantly faster and more energy-efficient than conventional vessels.
The journey takes just over 30 minutes, which is considerably shorter than today’s bus commute.
The pilot project is carried out by Västtrafik in cooperation with Candela, Styrsöbolaget and Öckerö Municipality. The purpose is to explore how Candela’s electric hydrofoil technology can contribute to faster, quieter, and more energy-efficient travel at sea. The test is part of Västtrafik’s work with innovation and new technology.
“We are pleased to partner with Västtrafik and to demonstrate how our electric hydrofoil technology can create better public transport on the water in Gothenburg and its surroundings. Thanks to the Candela P-12’s speed and efficiency, both travel time and operating costs can be reduced compared to traditional vessels, while departures can become more frequent – major benefits for those living and working in the archipelago,” says Tord Ringenhall, Project Manager at Candela.
The fastest ferry in Gothenburg
Candela P-12 flies on hydrofoils beneath the hull and rises about 1.5 meters above the water surface. The result is a quiet, fast, and comfortable trip of around half an hour. The ferry is fully electric and, with a cruising speed of 25 knots, is not only the world’s fastest series-produced electric vessel – but also the fastest commuter ferry in the Gothenburg archipelago. At the same time, the P-12 uses about 80 percent less energy than a traditional vessel of the same size, while producing minimal wake.
Residents invited to take part
Öckerö Municipality is recruiting residents who will have the chance to test commuting with the new ferry. Registration of interest will soon open at www.ockero.se. In addition to passengers’ experiences, the trial will also study timetable, docking, charging, and crewing.
Media invited to test ride
Media representatives are welcome to test the Candela P-12 during the press day on September 4, as well as during the pilot operations.
Contact:
Mikael Mahlberg
mikael.mahlberg@candela.com
+46 765 376678
Related links
Topics
Stockholm-based Candela Technology AB is the world leader in hydrofoiling electric vessels. The company was founded in 2014 by engineer and business leader Gustav Hasselskog with the mission to accelerate the world's transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans by developing electric vessels that outperform those powered by fossil fuels.
Candela's watercraft have wings (hydrofoils) that lift the hull above the water and reduce friction, using 80% less energy than conventional ships at high speed. This technology allows for long-range water travel solely on battery power, a first in the industry. Candela's hydrofoils also enable operators to transition to sustainable fleets by providing up to 50% lower operational costs.
At the heart of Candela's hydrofoil tech stack is the Flight controller, which automatically stabilizes the vessel during flight by regulating the foils, using sensors that gauge wave height and wind speed, among other factors. Even in rough weather, passengers experience 90% less g-forces than they would on a traditional boat. All Candela vessels are fully connected and receive over-the-air updates.
After five years of research and development, Candela began producing the world's first electric hydrofoil leisure boat in 2019, the Candela C-7 open "roadster of the seas". This was followed in 2022 by the high-volume market Candela C-8, which was delivered to the first customers in spring 2023. Over 150 C-8 units have been sold to date, and the vessel has been lauded as a "game changer" by Motorboat and Yachting magazine, winning numerous awards including the 2022 European Powerboat of the Year award for its superior seakeeping, long range, and high speed.
In 2023, Candela launched its first commercial vessel, the Candela P-12 Shuttle ferry. It is the fastest and longest-range electric ship ever built, with a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 40 nautical miles at 25 knots. It is also the most energy-efficient fast ship ever made in its size class. Substantial operational cost savings are expected. The first unit enters service in Stockholm's public transport system in 2024.
Candela is a technology company with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, employing over 200 engineers, technicians, and production staff. The company develops the entire tech stack, from the C-POD motor to the control system and carbon fiber hulls, in-house. Candela's two wholly-owned factories in Stockholm, Sweden, produce the Candela C-8 and P-12 vessels. The company also has leisure boat resellers in 12 countries and wholly-owned sales offices in San Francisco, USA, and Cannes, France.
