The Swedish Transport Administration has reported that Stockholm’s electric hydrofoil ferry has delivered reduced emissions, shorter travel times and increased ridership since it began operations in 2024, according to an official evaluation of the service.
The fully electric Candela P-12 has been operating on Route 89 between Ekerö and central Stockholm within the city’s public transportation network. The vessel uses computer-controlled hydrofoils to lift the hull above the water, reducing drag and energy consumption compared with conventional ferries.
According to the report, travel time on the route has been reduced from 55 minutes to about 30 minutes; carbon dioxide emissions have been cut by 94% compared with diesel vessels; energy consumption is 66% lower; passenger numbers on the route increased by 22.5% during the trial period; and 95% of passengers have reported a positive experience.
The evaluation also found that the vessel’s wake measured about 13cm, significantly smaller than conventional ferries, and noise levels were comparable to a passenger car traveling at 45km/h. The findings led the report to recommend that further speed exemptions be considered to support faster waterborne transportation in the city.
A simulation cited in the report suggests that replacing two existing diesel ferries with six P-12 vessels could increase departures from hourly to every 15 minutes and boost passenger capacity by 150%. The analysis projected socioeconomic benefits of about Skr119m (US$13.2m), driven by reduced operating costs, time savings and increased capacity.
“We’re extremely pleased that the official evaluation confirms what passengers and operators have already experienced – that the Candela P-12 can transform urban waterways,” said Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela. “By combining high speed, minimal energy use and near-zero emissions, we can unlock faster, cleaner and more cost-efficient waterborne transport for cities worldwide.”
The P-12 is in serial production at Candela’s Stockholm facility, with capacity expected to reach around 40 vessels per year. Deliveries to customers in Mumbai, the Maldives, Thailand and Berlin are scheduled to begin this year.
Related news, Candela to deliver 10 electric hydrofoil ferries for Thailand’s Koh Kood route