Swedish marine technology firm Candeler has revealed its P-12 pre-production hydrofoiling electric vessel.
Founded in 2014 by Gustav Hasselskog, Candeler has produced two series of foiling vessels, one for leisure – the C series – and one for commercial – the PRO series.
The P-12 Zero passenger ferry is the latest to take flight, which it did at 16 knots before reaching its top speed of 30km within 16 seconds, the company says.
“Our P-12 has not only claimed the title of the fastest electric ship to date but also stands as the first vessel capable of undertaking long-range, high-speed journeys—a breakthrough in sustainable water travel,” the company says, adding that serial production has already begun at its factory in Stockholm.
The second, it says, will be delivered in 2024 to join Stockholm’s public transport system and transport people between the island suburb of Ekerö and the city centre.
“This electric vessel for 30 passengers, with minimal wake production, has secured a speed exemption in the city, cutting commuting times from 55 minutes to just 25 minutes—beating the speed of competing subway and bus lines and doubling car commutes during rush hour,” Candeler says.
Energy consumption is reduced by 80% because of the three carbon fibre wings under the hull. The angles of the foils are adjusted based on various sensors in the vessel’s flight control system.
“Today, in many cities, roads are congested while the waterways – mankind’s oldest infrastructure – is unused for fast commuting,” said Gustav Hasselskog. “The P-12 offers a path to use these waterways as green highways, offering fast intra city connections. The quickest way is often over water.”
The vessel is fitted with electric C-POD motors that skip the transmission, keeping maintenance and thus downtime to a minimum.
