Hydroelectric power generation company Meridian Energy has signed a deal with Swedish company Candela to power the electric hydrofoil ferry P-12 set to be introduced to New Zealand’s Lake Manapōuri.
Candela’s hydrofoil ferry
The Candela P-12 is expected to begin operating on Lake Manapouri in 2025. Meridian will be the the first customer outside Europe to take delivery of the electric shuttle.
The Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry will provide daily transportation for the staff and contractors servicing the hydropower Manapōuri Power Station. It is projected to save 240 tons of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to taking 52 petrol cars off the road.
‘Flying’ on computer-guided hydrofoils, the P-12’s hull rises above the water at high speed, which reduces energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional vessels and enables long-range and high-speed travel using battery power only. According to Candela, the ferry has the highest top speed and longest range of any electric ferry and provides many environmental benefits. At a cruise speed of 25 knots, the wake behind the vessel is less than 15cm high. This will minimize disruption to the shoreline of Lake Manapōuri, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area and home to many indigenous species, including longfin eel.
The P-12 is stabilized in real time by a computer system – a flight controller that prevents the motion-sickness-inducing pitching and slamming found in other ships. The flight controller uses sensors to measure the wave height in front of the vessel and then adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle 100 times per second to provide a smooth ride over them.
Eco-friendly technology
“We’re excited to partner with a global leader in the transition to sustainable energy and global decarbonization and thrilled to soon see our P-12 in action on Lake Manapōuri,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of Candela. “We thank Meridian for leading the charge toward a cleaner, greener future.”
Tania Palmer, Meridian’s GM of generation, said, “This is one way the company is reducing our emissions from internal transport, contributing to Meridian’s goal of halving its emissions by 2030. We have to be bold and innovative to reduce emissions. This deal is the result of a global search to identify the latest and best technology for our needs and one that’s suitable for such an incredible natural environment.”
“The Candela P-12 is an exciting replacement for the diesel ferry we currently use to transport people across the lake to the power station. It’ll drastically reduce emissions and, at the same time, give our team what’s arguably the best and most spectacular commute in the world.”
In related news, Candela partnered with maritime organization Al Seer Marine to bring the Candela P-12 electric ferry to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for public transportation. Click here to read the full story.