Image: CandelaThe order represents the largest electric ferry fleet to date and focuses on routes where conventional electric vessels have faced limitations in range and speed. The first two units are scheduled for delivery in 2027, with further vessels to follow between 2028 and 2030.The P-12 had previously been tested in Norway. A six-week trial operation, which started in December last year, was supposed to determine whether the ‘flying’ electric boat can be used for commuter traffic between Frosta Brygge and Trondheim.According to the companies, the P-12 combines a cruising speed of 25 knots with a range of around 40 nautical miles, enabling electric operation on routes currently served by diesel vessels.The vessels use computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water at speeds above 18 knots. This reduces drag and lowers energy consumption by approximately 80 per cent compared to conventional vessels of similar size. The technology is already in operation in public transport in Stockholm.The vessels are equipped with a digital flight control system that adjusts hydrofoils in real time to stabilise the ride. Reported cabin noise levels are around 64 dB.Charging is designed to take place using standard DC fast chargers, with a full recharge possible in around one hour. This avoids the need for high-capacity charging infrastructure typically required for electric ferries.“Candela P-12 is the only electric passenger vessel that combines longer range with high speed without requiring extensive charging infrastructure. Our investment will enable new high-speed routes both in cities and in rural areas,” said Nikolai Knudsmoen Utheim, CEO at Boreal. “With this fleet, Boreal wants to take the next step—accelerating zero-emission high-speed travel along the Norwegian coast.”Candela has an order backlog of over 65 vessels, reportedly worth around 2 billion SEK (approximately €185 million), according to a Swedish media report. This includes eleven boats for use in Mumbai, India, as well as ten units each for the Maldives and Thailand. Particular focus is being placed on the Mumbai project, where the first deployments are planned later this year. For that, the Swedish company just unveiled the P-12 Business, aimed at premium passenger transport.mynewsdesk.com
