A Groundbreaking Swedish Hydrofoil Ferry Aims to Revolutionize Waterway Travel

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The quest for sustainable public transportation is a global priority, particularly in cities cradled by waterways. In Sweden, an innovative electric ferry could soon redefine maritime transit standards.

Cruising silently through the Stockholm archipelago, Candela, an electric boat manufacturer, has introduced its P-12 model. This vessel skims over the water’s surface, lifted over a meter high by hydrofoils. The P-12’s unveiling signals a potential transformation in aquatic public transportation.

Erik Eklund, head of Candela’s commercial vessel division, expressed excitement about this technological leap. “The efficiency gains from the hydrofoil’s airborne state are substantial, offering the speed and range necessary for battery operation,” he noted.

Uniquely designed, the P-12 can transport 30 passengers at speeds up to 30 knots (56 km/h or 35 mph), outpacing other electric ferries. Its lift comes from carbon fiber hydrofoil wings, minimizing water resistance.

Candela’s innovative design is said to reduce energy consumption per passenger-kilometer by a staggering 95% compared to current diesel ferries in the Stockholm archipelago—a breathtaking expanse of thousands of islands in the Baltic Sea.

The P-12 also skirts Stockholm’s 12-knot speed limit, thanks to its negligible wake production—a boon for avoiding waterway congestion and shoreline erosion.

Set for a nine-month trial beginning in July, the P-12 will connect Ekero’s suburbs with Stockholm’s city center, slashing commute times from 55 to 25 minutes.

The company is drawing insights from its smaller electric hydrofoil leisure craft. Onboard, engineers are perfecting the hydrofoils, controlled by a computer to adapt to sea conditions and neutralize wave impacts. This technology allows operation in waves up to two meters.

Candela anticipates that cities like San Francisco, New York, and Venice will follow Stockholm’s lead in electrifying maritime public transport.

Gustav Hemming, Stockholm’s Regional Executive Board Vice President, affirmed the city’s commitment to expanding waterborne public transport. “We believe this is a crucial step in enhancing the appeal of public transit,” he declared.

In 2022, Stockholm’s water transit journeys reached 6.2 million, marking the fastest growth in public transport post-COVID-19. Hemming emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of utilizing existing waterways over constructing new roads.

Hydrofoil technology, though over a century old, faced challenges in widespread adoption due to cost and maintenance issues. However, advancements in lightweight carbon fiber and efficient electric motors are ushering in a new era for public transport.

Arash Eslamdoost, an associate professor at Chalmers University of Technology, highlighted the potential of hydrofoils in overcoming the limitations of battery technology for marine vessels.

Internationally, the development of hydrofoil electric passenger ferries is gaining momentum. The U.K.’s Artemis Technologies plans to launch a fully electric hydrofoil ferry between Belfast and Bangor, potentially next year.

Robin Cook from the Swedish Transport Agency acknowledges the maritime sector’s readiness for transformation. He stressed the importance of port infrastructure adapting to and fostering these innovations, particularly in onshore power connectivity for ships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Electric Hydrofoil Ferry

More about Electric Hydrofoil Ferry

• Candela Electric Boats
• Hydrofoil Technology Overview
• Stockholm Public Transportation
• Sustainable Maritime Innovations
• Electric Ferry Developments in the UK