Stockholm-based Candela to supply its flying electric ships to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM

Stockholm-based Candela, a manufacturer of long-range electric boats, announced on Wednesday that its first electric hydrofoil ship — Candela P-12, will service the planned water network in NEOM, the gigantic, sustainable development taking shape in Northwest Saudi Arabia.

As per the deal, NEOM has procured an initial batch of 8 of the foiling, electric shuttle ships, making it the largest announced order in Candela’s history.

The first batch of 8 vessels will be delivered in 2025 and early 2026.

“The P-12 is designed to create zero-emission water transport systems which have significant improvements over traditional water commuting,” says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.

“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,” adds Hasselskog.

The announcement comes five months after raising €25M in funding from Groupe Beneteau, bringing the total fund raised to €70M

Candela P-12: What you need to know

Candela P-12 was launched last year and is set to debut in Stockholm’s public transport during the fall of 2024.

The Candela P-12 is an electric passenger ship that uses 80 per cent less energy than conventional ships, which allows it to have a long range yet at high speed.

It can reach a speed of 25 knots and has an endurance of over 2 hours, making it the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship to date.

The P-12’s digital flight control system helps it maintain stability by adjusting the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second.

The Candela P-12 seats between 20 and 30 people depending on configuration.

A study by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that the P-12 emits 97.5% less CO2 during its lifetime compared to a conventional diesel vessel of the same size, due to using 80% less energy.

Candela P-12 comes in three versions—the P-12 Shuttle, Business, and Voyager—suiting various passenger capacities and requirements. 

“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 revolutionize how we travel on water,” says Gustav Hasselskog of Candela.

Candela: Electrifying maritime transport

Founded by Gustav Hasselskog, Candela provides sustainable electric hydrofoil vessels that deliver shorter travel times and more comfort than traditional ships. 

The company’s goal is to rethink efficiency in marine transportation to push the performance boundaries of electric boats and ships radically.