Candela has introduced a new electric hydrofoil vessel designed for high-speed passenger transportation that delivers improved comfort and reduced noise compared to conventional transfer boats, the manufacturer says.
The Candela P-12 Business was recently commissioned in Stockholm and will be deployed on routes in locations including Mumbai, the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. The vessel is based on the company’s existing P-12 platform, which has been used in public transportation operations.
The design uses a computer-controlled hydrofoil system that lifts the hull above the water during operation, reducing drag, motion and noise. The vessel cruises at 25kts and has a range of 40 nautical mile, with noise levels measured during trials of between 63dB and 64dB, lower than typical levels on ferries or high-speed trains, Candela said. Conventional speedboats used for similar transfer services can reach 85dB-95dB.
Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela, said, “The P-12 Business experience merges tech and interior craftsmanship – we’ve engineered comfort into the ride itself.” He added that the vessel is intended to offer a quieter and more stable alternative to traditional high-speed boats used in passenger transfers.
The vessel can carry 16 passengers, with capacity for up to 20, and features an enclosed cabin with seating, climate control, wi-fi and onboard amenities. Accessibility features include a stabilized boarding ramp for passengers with reduced mobility.
Candela said the vessel is intended for use in hospitality and airport transfer markets, where demand for faster and more comfortable water transportation is growing, particularly in coastal and island destinations.
The company also highlighted environmental benefits, stating that the hydrofoil design can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional vessels when foiling. The system is also designed to minimize wake and underwater noise, which can affect marine environments.
Initial deployments are expected to replace diesel-powered ferries and speedboats on selected routes, such as connections between Mumbai’s Gateway of India and the city’s new airport in Navi Mumbai.
Hasselskog said, “It’s a win-win vessel. A vastly better experience, and it has a profound positive impact on the marine ecosystems where it operates.”
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