A fleet of cutting-edge electric hydrofoil ships will soon be cruising the Red Sea, thanks to a landmark agreement between Swedish company Candela and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project.
This deal marks the largest order in Candela’s history, with NEOM acquiring an initial batch of eight Candela P-12 vessels to service its ambitious water transport network.
NEOM, a futuristic and sustainable mega-development taking shape in Northwest Saudi Arabia, is set to revolutionise transportation within its borders. The Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ship, will play a pivotal role in this vision by providing a zero-emission, high-speed alternative to traditional water commuting.
Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela, highlighted the P-12’s advantages over conventional ferry systems: “Unlike legacy systems with large, slow, and energy-inefficient conventional ferries, the Candela P-12 is a smaller and faster unit, allowing much more frequent departures and quicker journeys for passengers. All daily necessities and services will be just a short boat commute away.”
Launched last year, the Candela P-12 is set to debut in Stockholm’s public transport later this year. This state-of-the-art vessel flies above the water on computer-guided hydrofoils, reducing energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional ships. With a speed of 25 knots and an endurance of over two hours, the P-12 is currently the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship in existence.
The hydrofoil technology not only enhances energy efficiency but also significantly improves passenger comfort. The P-12’s digital flight control system stabilises the ship by adjusting the hydrofoils’ angle 100 times per second, ensuring a smooth ride even in challenging sea conditions.
Environmental sustainability is at the core of the P-12’s design. A life cycle analysis conducted by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that the P-12 will emit 97.5% less CO2 over its lifetime compared to a conventional diesel vessel of the same size, due to its remarkable energy efficiency.
Capable of seating between 20 and 30 passengers, depending on the configuration, the P-12 also boasts silent electric motors located underwater, minimising noise and disturbance to marine life. Its negligible wake further allows for faster travel in areas where conventional ships are speed-restricted due to their damaging wakes.
“We’re extremely proud to provide a vessel system designed with both passengers and the environment in mind. Short waiting times, quick connections, and a very enjoyable experience without taxing the environment with wakes, emissions, and noise will revolutionise how we travel on water,” said Gustav Hasselskog.
The first batch of eight Candela P-12 vessels is scheduled for delivery to NEOM in 2025 and early 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in sustainable maritime transport.
