At the end of 2024, the inhabitants of Stockholm began using the Candela P-12 Shuttle, an electric hydrofoil ferry that literally “flies” over the water.
A year later, the Swedish Transport Administration deemed the project a resounding success after evaluating its pilot route between the suburb of Ekerö and the city center.
The city, built on fourteen islands, naturally lends itself to water transport. However, traditional diesel ferries were slow, infrequent, and responsible for nearly half of the regional public transport emissions. The P-12 aims to change that landscape with a faster, cleaner, and more efficient proposal.
Environmental and Social Impact
The ferry has reduced travel times from 55 to 30 minutes and decreased carbon dioxide emissions by 94% compared to comparable diesel vessels. Additionally:
It generates minimal wakes, reducing shoreline erosion and environmental impact.
It is silent, comparable to the noise of a car at 45 km/h and barely perceptible at 25 meters.
It has increased demand: the number of passengers on the Ekerö line grew by 22.5% during the trial period.
Hydrofoil Technology
The carbon fiber wings under the hull generate lift and raise the vessel above the water’s surface. This reduces drag, allows for greater speed, and results in much lower energy consumption.
A computer system adjusts the angle of the wings in real-time, maintaining stability as the ferry “flies” over the water.
The innovative Candela P-12 electric ferry transforms water transport in Stockholm.
Economic Benefits
The official report indicates that replacing two diesel ferries with six P-12s would allow:
Departures every 15 minutes (instead of once per hour).
An increase in passenger capacity by 150%.
Estimated socioeconomic benefits of 119 million Swedish crowns (12 million euros).
Additionally, fuel and maintenance costs are lower than those of diesel ferries, making the P-12 a winning formula for both the economy and the environment.
International Projection
The project’s success has sparked interest in other cities. Berlin, Mumbai, the Maldives, and Thailand have already announced plans to incorporate similar vessels by 2026.
According to Gustav Hasselskog, founder of Candela, the P-12 can transform urban waterways by combining high speed, energy efficiency, and near-zero emissions.
Sweden’s Climate Context
Sweden aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 and reduce transport emissions by 70% by 2030. Its policies include:
Carbon tax and “bonus-malus” incentives.
Recycling and energy recovery of 96% of household waste.
Promotion of biogas and electrification of public transport.
Investment in renewable energy and reactivation of nuclear energy.
Although the country is a leader in sustainability, some recent debates question whether it will meet its short-term goals. Projects like the Candela P-12 reinforce confidence that technological innovation can be a key driver in achieving these objectives.
The hydrofoil electric ferry not only improves urban mobility but also becomes a symbol of Sweden’s energy transition. With fewer emissions, more speed, and greater comfort, the Candela P-12 paves the way for sustainable water transport replicable in cities worldwide.