Press release -
Mumbai to Tackle Traffic Congestion with Flying Electric Ferries
Mumbai’s commuters will soon be able to fly to work — on electric ships. A fleet of 11 hydrofoiling Candela P-12 commuter ferries will create new links across Mumbai's waterways, forming the nucleus of the city’s electric transport network, which is set to eventually include thousands of vessels. The ferries have been ordered by Mumbai-based operator JalVimana.
“This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai's waterways for efficient commuting — and by investing in hydrofoil technology, the city is leapfrogging legacy waterborne transport systems,” says Gustav Hasselskog.
Mumbai, India’s bustling financial capital, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The government of Maharashtra state has laid out a bold vision to revolutionize transport in the megacity - by turning to its most underused asset: the sea. With over 23 million residents and overstretched roads, the state’s ports minister Nitesh Rane and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis have recently announced that thousands of electric ferries will transform Mumbai’s waterways into high-speed arteries for clean, efficient transport.
Swedish marine tech company Candela has now been selected to spearhead this vision.
In Stockholm, during an official visit by India’s minister of commerce mr Piyush Goyal on board Candela’s vessels, Candela’s CEO Gustav Hasselskog and Mumbai-based operator JalVimana's CEO Niraj Thakur announced that JalVimana has purchased and will operate an initial fleet of 11 P-12 vessels with plans to grow significantly bigger.
The novel Candela P-12 uses computer-guided underwater wings to raise its hull above the water, slashing energy consumption, eliminating wake and slamming, running silently, safely, and at a fraction of the operating cost of conventional diesel vessels. Due to this, the P-12 has been hailed as a 'game-changer' for waterborne transport.
The sale represents the largest single electric fleet in the world so far and will play a pivotal role in establishing Mumbai as a global leader in sustainable urban water transport. Mumbai is an ever-expanding city, which is partly built around a large bay. The first Candela P-12 vessels in Mumbai will serve two of the city’s most heavily trafficked routes on water: between the Gateway of India and Alibaug — a journey that typically takes 2–3 hours by car — and from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. Another line is being planned by JalVimana to connect the new airport with central Mumbai, with expected travel times reduced from 1 hour and 30 minutes to less than 30 minutes.
“We believe Candela's next-generation P-12 will be a giant leap for Mumbai and towards our national goals of a susainable future for our vast Indian coastline and inland waterways. JalVimana is honoured to bring this Swedish gift to our ancient shores”, says JalVimana’s CEO, Niraj Thakur.
Following its debut in Stockholm in late 2024, where it slashed commute times and eliminated emissions, the P-12 has proven that electric ferries can be a transformative part of urban mobility — not just in Scandinavia, but globally.
“Candela exists to accelerate the shift to clean and efficient waterborne transport,” said Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s CEO and Founder. “We’re honored to support Maharashtra’s bold vision and delighted that JalVimana has chosen P-12 to lead the transformation. With the P-12, we will show that our foiling electric ferries can add a vital new layer of mobility to Mumbai.”
About Candela
Candela is the world leader in electric hydrofoil vessels. By combining advanced computer-controlled foiling technology with lightweight carbon fiber construction, Candela’s craft use up to 80% less energy than traditional boats — enabling long range, high speed, and zero emissions. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company builds leisure boats and the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, the Candela P-12, now operating in public transport.
Candela.com
Visit Candela’s Youtube channel to see the vessels in action:
https://www.youtube.com/@Candelaboats
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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 entered 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.
