A new electric ferry service using advanced technology started operations in Stockholm on Tuesday, providing commuters with an eco-friendly option to navigate the waters of the Swedish capital, situated across 14 islands.
In what Stockholm declared to be a world first, 25 commuters in the Ekero suburb boarded the Nova, a hydrofoil ferry that runs on electric motors. The ferry glided about 1 meter (3 feet) above the surface and traveled 15 kilometers (9 miles) to reach Stockholm’s City Hall in just half an hour. In contrast, the regular diesel-powered ferry service takes 45 minutes during the morning commute, without any stops.
“We aim to lead the way in the green transition on the water,” stated Gustav Hemming, the city councilor responsible for climate and infrastructure. The goal of the nine-month pilot project was to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and opt for a public transportation card instead.
Gustav Hasselskog, the CEO of electric boat manufacturer Candela, referred to it as “a significant change for urban transportation and a revitalization of our waterways.”
He noted that the Nova is the inaugural vessel of Candela’s new P-12 model to be put into service. Its computer-controlled hydrofoil wings elevate the hull above the water, resulting in an 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional vessels by minimizing water resistance.
“Traditional ships haven’t advanced significantly in the last century and rank among the least energy-efficient modes of transport, second only to a battle tank,” Hasselskog remarked in a statement.
As of Tuesday, the Nova has officially joined the fleet of ferries managed by Stockholm’s public transport authority, SL.
The ferry is built to accommodate 25 passengers, including a wheelchair space. There are speed restrictions on certain sections of the route, but there are no limits on open water. The hydrofoil boat maintains a cruising speed of roughly 25 knots (46 kph or 29 mph) and can achieve a top speed of 30 knots (56 kph or 35 mph) — significantly faster than other electric passenger ferries. It accomplishes this with carbon fiber hydrofoil wings that elevate the vessel, reducing drag.
Additionally, the vessel is exempt from Stockholm’s 12-knot speed limit as it produces no wake — the waves created by a boat moving through the water that increase with speed and can potentially overwhelm other vessels or erode the shore.
Candela claims that its technology lowers the energy consumption per passenger-kilometer by 95% when compared to diesel ferries operating in the scenic Stockholm archipelago.
The ferry can operate in waves up to 2 meters (6.5 feet).
Candela envisions that, alongside Stockholm, cities like San Francisco, New York, and Venice will spearhead the movement towards electrifying waterborne public transportation.
Stockholm currently has about 70 public transport vessels that operate on fossil fuels. In 2022, there were approximately 6.2 million public transport boat trips in the Stockholm region, and while boat traffic constitutes a small portion of the overall public transit system, it is the fastest-growing mode of transport following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Numerous cities globally regard clean and effective public transportation as an essential method to reduce carbon emissions. For urban areas with waterways, a cutting-edge ferry in Sweden may soon establish a new benchmark.
Traveling through Stockholm’s archipelago, the new P-12 vessel from electric boat manufacturer Candela glides silently over the water at a height of about one meter (3 feet). Its creators aspire for this ferry, revealed this week, to initiate a new age of water-based public transportation.
“This represents a significant advancement,” stated Erik Eklund, who oversees Candela’s commercial vessel division. “The energy efficiency gained from flying on the foils provides us with the velocity and range required to operate on batteries.”
The vessel is engineered to transport 30 passengers, reaching a top speed of 30 knots (56 kph or 35 mph) — notably quicker than other electric ferries. It achieves this speed using carbon fiber hydrofoil wings that elevate the craft above the surface, minimizing drag.
According to Candela, this technology decreases the energy consumption per passenger-kilometer by 95% in comparison to the diesel ferries currently moving passengers across the beautiful Stockholm archipelago, which consists of countless islands and skerries extending into the Baltic Sea.
Additionally, the ferry is exempt from the 12-knot speed limit in Stockholm because it creates no wake — the waves caused by a boat moving through the water that intensify with speed and could potentially inundate other vessels or erode the shoreline.
The P-12 is still undergoing testing but is scheduled to begin operating in July on the route between the Stockholm suburb of Ekero and the city center as part of a nine-month trial project. This ferry will reduce travel time from Ekero via standard public transport from 55 minutes down to 25 minutes.
The company aims to utilize insights gained from the launch of its smaller electric hydrofoil recreational boat. Engineers onboard are refining the hydrofoils, which are adjusted by a computer 100 times every second to adapt to sea conditions and counter any wave impacts. The vessel can function in waves of up to two meters (6.5 feet).
Candela envisions that, alongside Stockholm, other cities like San Francisco, New York, and Venice will spearhead the transition to electrified marine public transport.
Gustav Hemming, Vice President of the Regional Executive Board in Stockholm, expressed support for this initiative.
“The goal is for the Stockholm region to enhance public transportation by water, as we believe it is a key factor in making public transit more appealing,” he remarked.
In 2022, there were approximately 6.2 million public transport boat trips in the Stockholm region; while boat traffic still represents a minor portion of the overall public transit system, it has become the fastest-growing form of public transportation post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our roads are often congested, and constructing new ones is quite costly and not very eco-friendly,” Hemming noted while gazing over Stockholm’s open waters on a chilly autumn day. “However, we have our established infrastructure here. There is no congestion on the water.”
Using hydrofoils to elevate a vessel above the water to reduce drag is not a novel concept. Ship designers have been exploring this technology for over a century, but high costs and maintenance challenges had hindered its widespread use. Nevertheless, the advent of lightweight carbon fiber materials has revived this technology in elite sailing, and with the efficiency of electric motors and the rising costs of traditional fuels, it is experiencing a resurgence in the public transport arena.
“We understand that marine vessels tend to be energy-intensive, and the restricted energy density of current batteries constrains the electrification of marine fleets,” stated Arash Eslamdoost, an associate professor of applied hydrodynamics at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. “This is where foiling presents a transformative solution to optimize the limited onboard electric power.”
Worldwide, several hydrofoil electric passenger ferries are either being designed or actively developed. In the U.K., Artemis Technologies has announced its intention to create a fully electric hydrofoil ferry to operate in Northern Ireland between Belfast and nearby Bangor, potentially launching as soon as next year.
Robin Cook from the Swedish Transport Agency noted that the maritime industry is poised for transformation, particularly in short-distance routes. However, he emphasized the need for public infrastructure to keep pace with these advancements and encourage them through incentives.
“A crucial element of electrification is when vessels connect to ports through onshore power supplies,” he commented. “In this regard, harbors play a vital role in ensuring that infrastructure is developed for these connections.”
The revolutionary ferry employs hydrofoil wings controlled by computers that elevate the hull above the water, leading to an 80% reduction in energy usage compared to traditional boats. “This represents a significant transformation for urban transportation and a rejuvenation of our waterways,” stated Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.
Presently, Stockholm’s roughly 70 public transport vessels consume more fossil fuels than the city’s buses and trains combined. The new ferry tackles several challenges by running on 100% renewable electricity and producing minimal wake, enabling greater speeds within city boundaries.
Nova travels at 25 knots, making it the fastest electric ferry currently in service and beating the speeds of earlier diesel-powered boats. For Ekerö, the island suburb of Stockholm that is experiencing the most growth, this translates to a reduction in travel times from one hour to just 30 minutes. The ferry’s advanced technology features electric C-POD motors with no mechanical transmission, allowing for nearly silent operation even at top speeds. It also needs very little infrastructure, charging at a standard car fast charger during normal breaks.
The pilot initiative, executed by Candela, Trafikverket, and Region Stockholm, will run through the fall of 2024 and restart in spring 2025. Its objective is to showcase how hydrofoil technology can enhance maritime transit efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“In numerous cities, the quickest route is over water, which is humanity’s oldest infrastructure,” said Hasselskog. “Today, our waterways are not fully utilized because of high costs, concerns over wake, and the emissions associated with traditional vessels.”
The initiative has already attracted global interest, with Candela securing orders from Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Berlin prior to the official launch.
“This signifies a major change in urban transportation and a revival of our waterways,” commented Gustav Hasselskog, the founder and CEO of Candela, who united specialists in hydrodynamics, software, advanced computer simulations, and mechatronics in 2014 to revolutionize electric boating.
Last year, the company raised $20 million to scale up production of their ferries and water shuttles, followed by an additional €24.5 million in March 2024, which included funding from Groupe Beneteau, the largest boat manufacturer globally.
Half the commuting duration, with zero emissions Dateline: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 07:15 CET. “Nova,” the inaugural vessel of Candela’s P-12 model, left its dock in Ekerö, the fastest-growing island suburb of Stockholm, and completed a 15 km journey to Stockholm’s City Hall in just over 30 minutes. That’s roughly half the time needed for the trip on a diesel-powered ferry. Half the time with zero carbon and toxic fume emissions.
This is achievable due to Candela’s technology, which enables the 12-passenger, 12-meter (≈ 40 ft) boat to fly a meter above the water’s surface, supported by computer-controlled hydrofoil wings that nearly eliminate water friction and decrease energy consumption by 80% compared to standard hulls.
Stockholm is located in an archipelago of 30,000 islands and has a substantial fleet of public transport vessels—about 70 in total—that utilize more fossil fuels than the city’s buses and trains combined, despite making up only a small percentage of overall transit usage. Water transport is expensive and time-consuming, as the vessels produce significant wakes, which restrict their speed in the city center.
Powered by 100% renewable electricity Since the P-12 glides above the water rather than forcing its way through like conventional vessels, it creates negligible wakes. Consequently, the ferry is permitted to operate at high speeds within city limits, where other vessels face wake restrictions.
Did we mention its quietness? Nova operates solely on renewable electricity and produces minimal noise even at high speeds, thanks to Candela-engineered electric C-POD motors with no mechanical transmission. The motors represent a notable advancement in electric boating, utilizing two motors and contra-rotating propellers housed in a torpedo-shaped casing to enhance efficiency further.
Electric hydrofoil ferries on the rise Several companies have developed hydrofoiling electric ferries and other commercial passenger ships, including MobyFly in Switzerland, Vessev in New Zealand, and Artemis Technologies in the UK. In the past year, Candela has received orders for the P-12 from Berlin, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, and an environmentally sensitive lake in New Zealand, with more clients expected to be announced.
Tuesday’s ‘flight’ represents the world’s first operational service for electric foiling ferries. For Stockholm—perhaps for the entire world—this indicates a future in which water transport in cities is sustainable, cost-effective, and faster than commuting by car.
Candela’s Hasselskog states, “In many cities, the most direct path is over water, which is humanity’s oldest infrastructure. Today, our waterways are underutilized due to high costs, wake-related concerns, and emissions from conventional vessels. If we can harness this potential, we can enhance the appeal of our cities.”
The Candela P-12 does not require expensive docking infrastructure. It can be charged at a standard car fast charger located at Stockholm City Hall. Its extensive range enables it to keep pace with traditional diesel ferries, allowing for recharging during the usual lunch break.
Nova will operate until the waters freeze in fall 2024, with services resuming in spring and continuing through August 2025. This route serves as a pilot initiative led by Candela, Trafikverket, and Region Stockholm (SL) to investigate how hydrofoil technology can facilitate quicker, more cost-effective, and emissions-free maritime travel, thereby creating new transit patterns in Stockholm.
Candela’s advancements in hydrofoiling are also applicable to leisure boats. Their first electric hydrofoiling vessel debuted in 2016, and the Candela C-8, which launched in 2022, has become one of Europe’s top-selling boats—regardless of propulsion—over the last few years.
A few weeks ago, the C-8 achieved a milestone by becoming the first all-electric boat to successfully cross the Baltic Sea.
From the outset, Candela’s primary goal has been “to accelerate the transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans. By developing electric hydrofoil vessels that outperform fossil fuel alternatives, we’re leading the charge for zero-emission marine transportation.”
Discussing this significant advancement in waterborne public transport, Hasselskog states, “For the first time, we have a vessel that makes water transport more rapid, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective than land transportation. It heralds a new era for global waterways, and it’s thrilling that Stockholm is pioneering this change.”
Merging long-distance capability with high speed, the new Candela P-12 electric hydrofoiling water taxi takes the innovative technology from the striking Candela 7 leisure boat and adapts it for commercial operators in a vessel designed for 12 passengers.
The technology and software behind Candela’s hydrofoiling boats began development in 2014, created by a skilled team with expertise not only in boat design and hydrodynamics but also in fields like avionics, image and signal processing, dynamic modeling, control theory, and machine learning. They developed a unique flight controller/software/sensor system that collects information from the hydrofoil wings as the vessel moves and makes adjustments over a hundred times each second.
Hydrofoiling uses one-fifth the energy of traditional hulls
This leads to an exceptionally smooth experience, resembling flying more than boating, and the secret to achieving rapid movement through water over sustained periods is to elevate the vessel above it! The energy efficiency gained by minimizing hull drag through hydrofoil wings provides an unparalleled combination of speed and range.
This energy efficiency is what makes a hydrofoiling water taxi attractive to commercial operators. Candela has compared its new 8.5-meter P-12 against conventional fossil fuel water taxis across various criteria, revealing that the foiler requires only 44kW of power compared to 258kW for a similar non-hydrofoil hull. This results in significantly lower fuel expenses, especially when utilizing inexpensive electricity.
It’s well-known that the primary barrier for consumers considering an electric boat is the hefty initial cost of the battery. For commercial operators, however, the battery cost is less concerning. The more frequently the vessel is utilized, the quicker the return on that initial investment due to the lower ongoing fuel costs.
Candela estimates that operating a typical fossil fuel water taxi costs around €5 per hour (US$ 6.10), while the operating cost for a Candela P-12 is just one-fifth of that: €1 (US$ 1.22). If a boat operates with 12 paying customers for six hours a day, it quickly becomes evident how that cost difference can cover the battery expenses and subsequently contribute to profits.
Candela’s hydrofoiling water taxi is the company’s third model. Although Candela’s electric hydrofoiling provides an exciting and smooth experience (the P-12 can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots / 55 km/h), the main motivation behind developing the technology was different. The company’s primary goal “is to accelerate the shift to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans. By developing electric hydrofoil boats that outperform fossil fuel alternatives, we’re making strides toward zero-emission marine transportation.”
Candela invested over 10,000 hours in simulations, design iterations, and sea tests to perfect its system, but a significant benefit is that they don’t need to redesign the hydrofoil for various boat sizes.
Launched in 2019, the Candela 7 recreational speedboat has garnered significant demand across Europe and North America. They announced in March their collaboration with Stockholm city to create a hydrofoiling ferry with a capacity for 30 passengers (the P-30), and now they have unveiled the hydrofoiling water taxi at the Salone Nautica in Venice, a location known for numerous commercial passenger vessels.
Typically, a personal speedboat, a 12-passenger taxi, and a 30-passenger ferry would necessitate completely different hull shapes and designs to optimize their movement through and performance on the water. However, this is not the case with hydrofoiling.
The P-12 hydrofoiling water taxi and the P-30 hydrofoiling ferry can be seen side by side. While there are variations in the size of motors and batteries needed for different Candela vessels, the core components—Candela wings, sensors, and stabilizing software—are fundamentally the same. The different hull dimensions and seating options are then customized and integrated. The P-12 shares various parts with its larger counterpart, the P-30, including the ‘climate shell’ passenger section offering 360º views.
Water taxis and small sightseeing vessels operate globally, transporting diverse groups of people to various destinations for a multitude of purposes, and an electric hydrofoiling model could enhance the experience in nearly all instances.
Where speed is a priority, the Candela P-12 delivers it—while producing less noise, minimal wake, zero emissions, and a smoother ride for passengers. During excursions in environmentally sensitive regions, the electric boat enables passengers to closely observe marine wildlife with minimal disruption to their habitat.
In the realm of electric vehicles, larger commercial units like buses, delivery trucks, and work vehicles are accelerating the transition from fossil fuels due to their significant economic advantages. The Candela P-12 provides similar advantages for commercial boats, making the shift from internal combustion engines to electric a straightforward choice, with no compromise between cost savings and environmental benefits.
Pioneering manufacturer Candela has successfully completed the largest funding round in its history, raising 25 million euros (approximately $27.13 million) to boost the production of its groundbreaking P-12 ferry.
Groupe Beneteau, the top boat manufacturer globally, is a key partner in this funding round. Their brand portfolio includes Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon, Wellcraft, Scarab, along with four brands already in the electric boating sector: Delphia, Four Winns, Excess Catamarans, and Beneteau itself.
Additional investors in this funding round include longstanding supporters EQT Ventures, the venture arm of Swedish firm EQT Partners; Kan Dela AB; and Ocean Zero LLC, which also funds seven other companies focused on reducing emissions in the marine industry, including ZEN Yachts and Flux Marine. This fresh capital injection brings Candela’s total funding since its inception to over €70 million (around $76 million).
Founded in 2014, Candela originated in Sweden when Gustav Hasselskog envisioned creating an electric boat that could match the range and speed of gasoline-powered vessels. He assembled a cutting-edge team with expertise across hydrodynamics, flight control electronics, structural composite engineering, and the software utilized for dynamic modeling.
They developed the first Candela hydrofoiling speedboat along with an onboard flight controller that collects real-time data from sensors located around the boat and adjusts the foils over 100 times each second to counteract wave and water movements.
While experiencing hydrofoiling in a recreational vessel like the Candela 8 is certainly extraordinary and thrilling, the more significant environmental impact will arise from Candela’s fleets of water taxis and larger ferries. In Europe, ferries contribute to 10% of CO2 emissions from all shipping vessels.
Candela’s boats are designed to consume 80% less energy compared to others due to their nearly negligible water resistance and friction. This technology reduces lifetime emissions by 97.5% when contrasted with diesel-powered vessels, all while allowing operators to cut their costs by half. Since it produces minimal wake, the P-12 has received exemptions from speed regulations. In Stockholm, it will reduce travel times to half of what they are with traditional road transport and older diesel-burning boats.
The electric vessel market is projected to reach a value of 14.2 Billion USD by 2030, as reported by Fortune Business Insights, fueled by strong governmental incentives aimed at decarbonizing shipping.
Bruno Thivoyon, CEO of Groupe Beneteau, stated, “Our investment aligns perfectly with Groupe Beneteau‘s sustainability objectives, enhancing innovative solutions for more eco-friendly boating and exceptional experiences. Candela’s technology, which allows for significantly more efficient electric vessels, will revolutionize waterborne transport in its next sustainable phase.”
Groupe Beneteau stands as the largest boat manufacturer globally, boasting a turnover of €1.46 billion, with 15 factories, 9 distinct brands, and over 8,000 yachts produced each year.
In 2021, they announced their own ventures into electric recreational boating during the Cannes Yachting Festival, introducing Delphia as their dedicated electric brand. The inaugural Delphia 11 cruising boat was launched in Europe in 2022, and another brand, Four Winns, unveiled the electric H2E sportboat in 2023.
“Charting the path toward a brighter future,” said Candela founder Hasselskog. “We are thrilled to have Groupe Beneteau on our team. As the leading global boat manufacturer, their endorsement is a strong confirmation of our technology’s capability to transform waterborne transportation. We are eagerly looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
He also expressed this sentiment to those who have supported Candela from the outset:
Today, we revealed our latest funding round of €25 million – the most substantial in Candela’s history.
We wouldn’t have achieved this milestone without you – our remarkable customers, investors, and partners. Our talented team has dedicated countless hours to develop our innovative electric hydrofoil vessels from a mere concept to prototypes, and then to best-sellers in the electric leisure sector, now expanding into the commercial passenger transport arena with the Candela P-12.
This funding round also signifies a new pinnacle as we welcome Groupe Beneteau as investors. Having the largest boat manufacturer in the world on board serves as a significant endorsement of the transformative potential our technology holds for global waterborne transportation.
Waking up to this news feels surreal; I often need to pinch myself to believe that my nearly 10-year-old aspiration of creating the first practical, long-range electric boat has materialized. We’re now positioned to guide the future, charting a course toward a more sustainable tomorrow.
A sincere THANK YOU goes out to everyone who believed in this vision and joined us on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for what lies ahead—we’re only just beginning!
Denison is the US company uniquely positioned to take on the Candela 7, as both firms were established by visionaries motivated by the thrill of innovating and seizing overlooked opportunities.
Frank Denison began his journey by mending and reselling boats purchased on speculation, and is recognized for being the first to install diesel engines in a yacht during the mid-1930s. His grandson Bob, who currently leads Denison and transitioned the company to a yacht brokerage in 2009, describes Frank as “an incredible boat builder” who also introduced the first turbine-powered yacht in 1973. Frank’s wife, ‘Kit’ Denison, created the first ‘country kitchen’ galley for yachts in the 1980s.
Gustav Hasselskog, a pioneer in electric boating at Candela, expresses his ambition to “revolutionize the industry – eliminating reliance on fossil fuels in boating.” After exploring the various possibilities within electric boating and examining the engineering and physics of the challenge, he concluded that the most effective way to demonstrate the advantages of electric boats was to design one that could fly. He assembled a team of specialists in flight control electronics, software algorithms, hydrodynamics, and structural composite engineering to achieve this.
While there are many excellent electric boats that plane on the water in the conventional manner and offer outstanding environmental performance using electric motors instead of gasoline, Haaselskog chose a different strategy by pursuing hydrofoiling due to a significant reason: water has a higher density than air. Regardless of how light a hull is made or how aerodynamic its shape is optimized, substantial energy is required to overcome the drag and friction of a boat hull moving through water. Candela’s research demonstrated that “a 7.5 meter (24 ft) planing boat consumes 12-18 times more fuel than a family car.”
Hydrofoiling is not a novel concept; in fact, the earliest evidence of hydrofoils on vessels appears in a British patent awarded to Emmanuel Denis Farcot in 1869, and military boats have utilized them since World War II. The principle remains unchanged: a boat reaches a certain speed at which it lifts out of the water, riding on a slightly submerged T or V-shaped wing, resulting in minimal drag and resistance.
Candela has elevated the concept to an entirely new level suited for the 21st century, made possible by their diverse team of experts. Weight is clearly a crucial element in hydrofoiling; thus, the hull, deck, and all deck components of a Candela 7 are constructed from carbon fiber, showcasing the structural composite engineering aspect.
The expertise in flight control electronics and software management has been integrated into the hydrofoil design. Unlike traditional hydrofoils that are static, the Candela adjusts dynamically in electric flying boat mode, as seven sensors continuously gather data on the boat’s position, velocity, and acceleration across the x, y, and z axes, along with its rotational movement. This information is relayed to the flight control software, which constantly adjusts the wings to maintain optimal height, roll, and pitch.
You may wonder what occurs with the foils in shallow water. The foils are designed to retract completely into the hull, and the motor can be tilted upwards, resulting in a draft of merely 0.4 meters / 1 foot 3 inches.
Another question might pertain to the boat’s performance in choppy water conditions. A video shared by Candela on its Facebook page demonstrates its impressive capabilities. It showcases the boat on April 6, paired with the commentary: “From last week’s storm over Stockholm. Rough weather sea trials and comparing the Candela Seven against a 9 meter RIB!”
Unsurprisingly, such remarkable innovation has garnered Candela several prestigious accolades: it was nominated for European Powerboat of the Year, won ‘Best for Future’ at the Best of Boat Awards, and earned the title of ‘Best Foiling Boat’ (being the only electric model) at Foiling Week.
However, the most rewarding recognition may reside in the testimonials from the first buyers highlighted on the Candela website:
“With six people on board, we usually operate at nearly full speed, around 30 knots, and complete the journey from Stockholm to our summer house in just over an hour. Even with all the passengers and gear, we consistently arrive with ample battery capacity remaining.”
Candela’s electric foiling vessel has successfully competed against fossil fuel boats once more, earning the Foiling Motor Boat Award at the recent Foiling Week awards.
Foiling Week, held in Milan this week, celebrates various types of foiling boats and is the only worldwide event focused on “the incredibly fast foiling boats, along with their sailors, designers, and builders.” One of the main sponsors of Foiling Week is Torqeedo, and the award for Candela was presented by Oliver Glück, Torqeedo’s Vice President of Marketing (Left, above).
Candela is certainly in a strong position, having secured the Best of Boat Award in November and also receiving a nomination for the European Powerboat of the Year at BOOT Dusseldorf.
“We’re doing this to lead the green transition at sea,” Gustav Hemming, the city councilor responsible for climate and infrastructure, stated to reporters. The goal of the nine-month pilot project was to “encourage more people to leave their cars behind and opt for a (public transit) card instead.”
Candela’s CEO, Gustav Hasselkrog, was clear in expressing the rationale for shifting away from internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered ferries.
“Traditional ships have seen little evolution over the past century and rank among the least energy-efficient transport options, only competing with a battle tank,” Hasselkrog remarked.
As per Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, boat travel is the fastest-growing mode of public transit in the city, with approximately 6.2 million boat trips recorded in 2022, and the transit agency is considering adding more ferries like the P-12.
The P-12 ferry was “engineered with both passengers and environmental considerations in mind,” Hasselkrog noted, stating that it provides “a highly enjoyable experience without imposing environmental burdens such as wakes, emissions, and noise.”
A life-cycle assessment conducted at the Kungliga Tekniska högskolan, or the Royal Institute of Technology, in Stockholm, titled “Electric Hydrofoil Boats Beat Diesel Boats for Climate Sustainability,” indicates that a Candela P-12 has the potential to produce 97.5% less CO2 throughout its lifespan than a conventional diesel vessel of similar size.
In September, a Candela crew achieved a world record by navigating a hydrofoiling Candela C-8 from Stockholm to the Finnish autonomous region of Åsland. This journey marked the first instance of an electric boat crossing the Baltic Sea.
“Our objective was to showcase that zero-emission marine travel is achievable today, and that foiling electric vessels are significantly more economical to operate than fossil-fueled boats,” Hasselkrog stated.
There were moments of range anxiety during the journey, but it did not stem from the C-8. “The irony is that the photographer’s gasoline-powered chase boat needed to refuel six times during the journey [to Åland and back], while we only needed to charge three times,” Hasselkrog explained.
The round-trip crossing of the Baltic Sea primarily utilized the existing charging infrastructure and received assistance from Empower, a charging solutions provider based in Finland. The voyage began in Frihamn, a Malmö neighborhood, and proceeded to Kapellskär, a port city located 60 miles (90 km) north of Stockholm, where the C-8 was recharged using a 40-kW Kempower wheeled charger linked to the harbor’s power grid. In Mariehamn, the boat was connected to the marina’s three-phase outlet for charging. On the same day at 6 pm, the C-8 team left Åsland, navigating the boat back toward Sweden and stopping again to recharge in Kapellskär. The journey continued despite heavy fog, arriving in Frihamn at 11:30 pm.
In 2014, our founder Gustav gathered a team of specialists in composite engineering, flight control electronics, hydrodynamics, dynamic modeling, and drone control systems. The goal was to discover methods for creating electric boats that could successfully combine both speed and range.
Positioned to transform maritime travel, our hydrofoiling electric boats – the result of over 10,000 hours of committed research and sea trials in Lidingö, Stockholm – effortlessly glide across the surface of the water. By merging state-of-the-art electric propulsion with active stabilization, they set new standards for speed, efficiency, and durability.
Electric ferries are revolutionizing the maritime sector by replacing traditional diesel engines with cleaner, battery-operated options. These vessels promise decreased emissions, lower operating costs, and quieter journeys.
The maritime transport industry, which has historically depended on reliable yet environmentally damaging combustion engine ferries, is at a crucial turning point. As the industry responds to the demand for sustainability, electric vessels are emerging as viable alternatives.
Setting global benchmarks, from the busy ports of Washington State to the beautiful coastlines of Scandinavia, these ferries not only cut emissions but also redefine waterborne public transit for the 21st century.
The transition towards battery-powered ferries is motivated by the complications presented by conventional vessels. Diesel engines, which have long powered ferry services, are infamous for their considerable greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide. These emissions contribute to global warming and local air pollution, with nitrogen and sulfur oxides posing serious risks to human health.
Additionally, the inefficiency of traditional engines results in high fuel consumption and operational expenses. The challenges of emission control add further complexity, often necessitating the use of advanced after-treatment technologies to comply with regulations. Consequently, existing passenger boats face an increasing demand for newer, cleaner, and more economical alternatives that satisfy the requirements of modern transportation and transit systems.
In light of the maritime industry’s challenges, electric propulsion in marine vessels emerges as a promising innovation. The benefits are numerous. Electric ferries incur lower operational and maintenance costs due to simpler motor designs and lesser mechanical wear. These savings create a positive ripple effect across the entire fleet, as electric boats demand less frequent and less expensive maintenance than their combustion engine equivalents.
Another benefit is the quietness that electric propulsion brings to the marine setting. These vessels move through the water almost silently, in stark contrast to the loud diesel engines. This diminishes noise pollution and improves the traveling experience. Furthermore, the built-in redundancy within electric systems provides a layer of reliability, ensuring that boats stay operational even if one part of the system encounters a failure.
Electric ferries offer clear environmental gains, as evident as the clear waters they aim to protect. By transitioning to electric propulsion, passenger boats can considerably lower emissions of harmful gases such as NOx and CO, along with CO2 and soot, making a significant environmental impact.
Take the Puget Sound, where the electric ferry emitted just 25% of the exhaust of its diesel-powered equivalent. In areas with clean electricity grids, electric passenger vessels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel engines significantly. This underscores the substantial environmental advantages these vessels can provide.
Moreover, by minimizing the need for commuter vehicles on shorter routes, electric ferries help to alleviate traffic congestion and its related environmental effects.
While the environmental advantages are a key attraction, the cost-effectiveness and economic benefits of electric ferries are equally persuasive. For instance, an all-electric catamaran operates across the water at a 21% lower energy unit cost than a traditional diesel ferry. This trend isn’t isolated; throughout much of Europe, electric passenger vessels have shown significantly reduced operational costs compared to their diesel counterparts. Although the initial purchase cost of a battery-powered ferry may be higher, the long-term savings in operation and maintenance are evident.
Battery power and energy efficiency in electric ferries form the foundation of their operation, serving as both an energy source and a representation of energy efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used due to their capacity to efficiently store and provide large quantities of electricity. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are becoming increasingly popular in maritime uses because of their safety and durability. This indicates a transition towards more robust and dependable power sources for battery-powered boats.
The management of these energy sources is directed by advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), which guarantee optimal efficiency, safety, and durability of the batteries. Enhancements in quick recharging capabilities are revolutionary. They will allow battery-operated ferries to stay ready for operation and broaden their journeys beyond previously assumed limits.
To grasp the capabilities and limitations of an electric ferry, one must consider its range. Although these ferries generally have a shorter distance capacity than those powered by combustion engines, improvements in battery storage are continuously pushing their limits. Small (though slower) electric ferries, often observed moving through harbors or on short routes, usually cover ranges of 5 to 30 nautical miles. These are backed by battery capacities of 1 to 2 MWh, making them well-suited for frequent docking and charging opportunities.
For medium and larger vessels (also primarily slow-moving), such as those linking islands or serving longer routes, ranges can vary from 20 to over 100 nautical miles. These vessels typically boast battery capacities ranging from 2 MWh to more than 10 MWh.
In contrast, the fast-moving Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry can reach a distance of up to 50 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots. This highlights the remarkable potential of contemporary ferry technology. By raising its hull out of the water, the P-12 uses its energy for forward propulsion instead of pushing through water, enhancing energy efficiency by over 80% compared to non-foiling vessels.
Despite the increasing drive to electrify ferry fleets, significant challenges persist. A major obstacle is the establishment of reliable charging infrastructure at ports, which is essential for the seamless operation of battery-powered ferries. The charging arrangements can vary from basic household circuits to more intricate fast chargers. Furthermore, access to clean energy and a robust grid is crucial to support the expanding fleet of electric vessels.
Ports and docks often have limited electrical capacity, particularly in isolated island communities. This creates a notable challenge for the broad adoption of electric passenger vessels. Additionally, achieving the right balance between battery size and vessel weight is vital to uphold efficiency and performance. However, potential solutions are emerging, including the development of more robust grids, hybrid systems, and innovative battery technologies. Together, these developments are facilitating a smoother transition to electric fleets. Nonetheless, the more energy-efficient a vessel is, using kilowatt-hour (kWh) batteries instead of megawatt-hour (MWh) batteries, the simpler electrification becomes.
A further substantial challenge is the high initial cost of electric ferries and the necessary infrastructure enhancements. While long-term savings on fuel and maintenance are significant, the upfront expenditure can be intimidating for many operators. Government incentives and subsidies can significantly help mitigate these costs and promote the uptake of electric ferries. Additionally, the maritime transportation sector is witnessing partnerships between the public and private sectors. These collaborations are financing research and development in electric propulsion technologies. Such collaborations are important for accelerating innovation, lowering costs, and creating a sustainable path for ferry fleet electrification.
With every new vessel entering the market, the water transportation sector advances toward a sustainable future. Norway’s MV Ampere, a trailblazer in battery-powered ferries, commenced its journey in 2015. It set a benchmark for following electric ferry initiatives throughout the country. Meanwhile, Wightlink in the United Kingdom is preparing to launch the Solent’s first entirely electric freight and passenger ferry within the next five years.
These advancements signify the latest progress in maritime technology, with ferries like the Candela P-12 Shuttle at the forefront. As these vessels become part of the fleet, they extend the possibilities of ferry services. They also demonstrate a commitment from the maritime industry to shift toward a cleaner, more cost-effective future.
Candela P-12 Shuttle electric hydrofoil ferry
In a time when environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness are crucial, our Candela P-12 Shuttle stands out as the first electric hydrofoil ferry globally, poised to transform maritime transport.
Traditional ferries find themselves trapped in an unending cycle of inefficiency that adversely affects both operational costs and their environmental footprint. Excessive fuel consumption results in heightened operational expenses and increased ticket prices, discouraging passenger usage and leading to reduced revenue. This situation is worsened by the maintenance costs linked to complicated combustion engines and the ecological damage caused by carbon emissions. Consequently, operators frequently remain caught in a cycle of elevated costs and meager returns, trying to reconcile sustainability and profitability.
The Candela P-12 Shuttle presents an innovative answer to these problems. As an electric hydrofoil ferry, the P-12 Shuttle merges the advantages of electric power with hydrofoil technology. Hydrofoils elevate the hull above the water, which significantly minimizes drag. This enables the P-12 Shuttle to glide effortlessly and efficiently, cutting energy usage by up to 80% compared to conventional ferries. This leads to decreased operational costs and a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The propulsion system of the P-12 completely eliminates reliance on fossil fuels. This drastically lowers fuel expenses and diminishes the carbon footprint associated with ferry operations. The P-12 has the capability to traverse longer distances on a single charge, alleviating range issues that typically constrain electric passenger vessels. Moreover, the reduced drag and diminished wear on components result in lower maintenance costs and an extended operational lifespan. Therefore, the P-12 serves as both an eco-friendly and economically viable option for ferry operators.
Passengers on the P-12 Shuttle can experience a quieter and smoother journey, free from the noise and vibrations typically associated with traditional combustion engines. The innovative design of the ferry also allows for increased speeds and reduced travel times, making it a more appealing choice for both commuters and travelers.
Life Cycle Assessment: Electric hydrofoil boats vs. fossil-fuel alternatives
Life cycle assessments indicate that electric hydrofoil boats have a considerably lower environmental footprint compared to fossil-fuel alternatives. A study by KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden confirms these benefits, showing significant cuts in CO2 emissions. Dennis Olson and Felix Gluunsinger from KTH discovered that the electric hydrofoil leisure craft, Candela C-8, had a markedly lower environmental impact regarding Global Warming Potential and Cumulative Energy Demand compared to its petrol-powered equivalents. They also compared the Candela P-12 with diesel ferries used in Stockholm’s public transport and found that the electric version could decrease environmental impact by 1,670 tons of CO2-equivalent annually.
These results highlight the considerable benefits that electric hydrofoil boats provide over conventional marine vessels. By focusing on electric propulsion, marine operators can greatly lessen their environmental impact. This strategy paves the way toward a cleaner and greener future for maritime transportation.
The future of electric ferries: Innovations and prospects
The maritime sector is navigating towards a future defined by innovation and sustainability. The potential for electric ferries is vast. For instance, Stena Line’s next-generation E-flexer vessels will be dual-fuel methanol hybrids, demonstrating the industry’s flexibility and dedication to lowering emissions. Concurrently, San Francisco is set to introduce the country’s first high-speed, high-capacity zero-emission ferry service, establishing a new benchmark for urban transport.
The creation of hybrid vessels by companies such as Brittany Ferries and Isle of Man Steam Packet Company showcases various methods of electrification. These advancements indicate a future in which battery-powered ferries will be crucial in the global movement for zero-emission maritime operations.
Conclusion
Electric ferries mark a significant transformation in maritime transport, resulting in lower environmental impacts and operational expenses. With continued progress in battery technology and charging infrastructure, these vessels are expected to become more feasible, making them an attractive option for both ferry operators and passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric ferries more costly to operate than diesel ferries?
No, they are usually less expensive to operate due to lower energy consumption, decreased maintenance needs, and possible government subsidies.
How do electric ferries affect local communities and ports?
Electric ferries can benefit local communities and ports by diminishing air and noise pollution, enhancing quality of life, and improving the passenger experience.
What type of battery technology is utilized in electric ferries?
Electric ferries typically employ lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries for their high energy density, efficiency, and safety, managed by advanced systems for peak performance.
What developments are underway to expand the range of electric ferries?
Improvements in battery storage, efficiency, and rapid charging facilities at ports are enhancing the operational range of electric ferries. Additionally, hybrid systems with supplementary power sources are being examined for increased range and flexibility.
How do electric ferries contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions?
The environmental benefit is largely contingent upon how renewable the electricity grid is. Sweden relies heavily on renewables for electricity, though this isn’t universally true. Regardless, electric ferries produce no exhaust emissions locally, thus eliminating harmful outputs typically related to diesel engines.
Can electric ferries cover as much distance as diesel-powered ferries before needing to recharge?
Though electric ferries generally have a shorter range compared to diesel ferries, advancements in battery technology are gradually extending travel distances, and fast-charging infrastructure is being developed for quicker charging.
What are the primary obstacles to the widespread adoption of electric ferries?
High initial costs and the lack of fast-charging infrastructure represent significant hurdles for the expansion of the electric ferry market. Additionally, range limitations compared to traditional ferries pose challenges for commercial viability.
What are the key factors propelling the adoption of electric ferries?
Government initiatives and subsidies are critical drivers behind the adoption of electric ferries, facilitating the shift towards more sustainable maritime transportation solutions.
Leave a Reply