Saudi Arabia has ordered eight of Candela's P-12 electric hydrofoil ships, marking the largest order ever for the Stockholm-based company. These innovative vessels, the first of their kind globally, will be utilized in the water network of NEOM, a colossal sustainable city being constructed in the northwest of the Gulf country.
The Candela P-12, launched last year, is scheduled to be introduced into Stockholm's public transport system by fall 2024. Operating above the waves on computer-controlled hydrofoils, the P-12 consumes 80% less energy compared to traditional ships. It boasts a speed of 25 knots and over two hours of endurance, making it the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship currently available.
Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela, emphasizes that the P-12 is engineered to facilitate zero-emission water transport, significantly outperforming conventional methods. He highlights the P-12's smaller size and higher speed, which enable more frequent departures and quicker travel times, ensuring that all daily needs and services are conveniently accessible via a short boat ride.
Additionally, the P-12 enhances passenger comfort through its digital control system, which adjusts the hydrofoils' angle of attack 100 times per second, maintaining stability even in windy and wavy conditions. The ship accommodates between 20 and 30 passengers, and its underwater Candela C-POD motors are remarkably quiet, causing minimal disturbance to marine life.
Gustav Hasselskog of Candela expresses immense pride in delivering a vessel system that prioritizes both passengers and the environment. He anticipates that the P-12 will revolutionize water travel by offering short wait times, swift connections, and an enjoyable experience without harming the environment through wakes, emissions, or noise. The initial batch of eight vessels, set to be operational on the Red Sea, is expected to be delivered between 2025 and early 2026.
