Press release -
Flying electric ferries to clean up the Maldives – and end seasickness
A fleet of revolutionary electric vessels will help the Maldives cut pollution – while giving tourists a smooth, seasickness-free ride. Meet the Swedish-made engineering marvel Candela P-12.
In 2026, tourists will be able to leave behind the bumpy, gasoline-smelling speedboats that dominate transport in the Maldives and instead board the Candela P-12, the world’s first “flying” electric shuttle ship.
A fleet of 10 cutting-edge, Swedish-built vessels has been purchased by the Maldivian operator Ego Shuttle. Flying 1.5 meters above the surface at higher speeds than any other electric ship, the innovative P-12 has been named a 'game changer' for combining long electric range with high speed at sea. Its secret lies in two computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water, reducing energy consumption by a staggering 80% — enabling the long range needed to shuttle travelers from Malé International Airport to the outer island atolls.
The P-12 will address pollution and emissions from the many twin-outboard speedboats that power the tourism industry. These boats typically burn about five liters of gasoline per mile — 15 times more fuel than a bus — making them one of the country’s largest CO₂ emitters. More critically, their large wakes erode corals, while the engine noise disrupts sensitive reef ecosystems and prevents fish from reproducing.
“Until now, there have been no real options to electrify waterborne transport, as conventional hulls are simply too inefficient to run on battery power. With the Candela P-12, we finally have a vessel with the range and speed to replace fossil-fuel boats — while minimizing the impact on this unique environment,” says Shabir Walji, CEO of Ego Shuttle.
Once flying, the whisper-quiet P-12 displaces almost no water, creating virtually no waves — just a gentle ripple from its dual counter-rotating propellers. Its wake is less than 10 centimeters high, comparable to that of a small dinghy. And because it’s fully electric and so efficient, it will eliminate reduce emissions..
The P-12 also promises a vastly better experience for tourists visiting the Maldives’ many five-star resorts. Today, the transfer from the airport to the atolls is arguably the least enjoyable part of a Maldives holiday. Unlike the quiet comfort of an airplane’s business class, the typical speedboat ride is noisy, bumpy, and notorious for causing seasickness — something the P-12 eliminates completely.
The vessel’s onboard Flight Controller — a computer — continuously adjusts the angle of the hydrofoils in real time to ensure a smooth and stable journey. The technology works much like the fly-by-wire systems used in modern fighter jets and has been described as a “digital pill against seasickness.” Furthermore, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities including Wi-Fi, entertainment screens, refreshments and snacks, and accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, and of course, charging outlets for various personal devices.
“It’s simply a better experience. The hydrofoil technology is a win-win — better for passengers and better for the planet. We’re extremely proud to partner with Ego Shuttles to bring our hydrofoil technology to the Maldives, where it will make a lasting impact on one of the world’s most cherished and biodiverse places,” says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela.
The first vessels in Ego's P-12 fleet will connect Malé with nearby islands, with operations set to begin in 2026. Ego Shuttles will also establish a local logistics and service hub, training Maldivian talent and creating new green jobs.
Although state-of-the-art, the Candela P-12 is already proven in Stockholm’s public transport system, where it has earned very high passenger approval for cutting commuting times in half — thanks to exemptions from city speed limits.
“We’re proud to bring this world-first to the Maldives, supported by the government’s ambitious climate leadership and its commitment to achieving net zero by 2030. Few nations have done more to place sustainability at the heart of development. The Maldives has long been a global voice for climate action, and by adopting the Candela P-12, it shows how even the most vulnerable nations can lead by example,” says Shabir Walji, CEO and founder of Ego Shuttles.
Contact:
Candela
Mikael Mahlberg, Head of Communications
mikael.mahlberg@candela.com
+46 76 537 6678
Ego Shuttles
Shabir Walji, CEO
swalji@egoshuttle.com
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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.
