Candela, a Swedish manufacturer of electric hydrofoil vessels, has signed a deal to supply eight P-12 vessels to NEOM, a global development project in northwest Saudi Arabia. This marks the largest order in Candela’s history; deliveries are scheduled for early 2025 and 2026.

The P-12, touted as the world’s first electric hydrofoil ship, will service NEOM’s waterways along the Red Sea coast. The vessel will debut in Stockholm’s public transport system later this year before its deployment in Saudi Arabia. 

Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela says: “The P-12 is designed to create zero-emission water transport systems which significantly improve traditional water commuting.

“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.”

Key features of the P-12 vessel include computer-guided hydrofoils, which use 80% less energy. According to a life cycle analysis performed by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the P-12 will emit 97.5% less CO2 during its lifetime compared to conventional vessels of the same size. 

As the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship to date, it will carry 20 to 30 passengers and operate at a range of 40 nautical miles at 25 knots. 

“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,” adds Hasselskog. 

This news follows Candela’s latest developments, closing its largest funding round with Groupe Beneteau in its history to expand the production of the P-12. 

Images courtesy of Candela.

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