Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the world’s first electric flying passenger ship!

GOING SUSTAINABLE, PROFITABLY

Maritime transport represents 3% of global CO₂ emissions, a figure projected to grow to 13% in the coming decades if no action is taken. High hopes are therefore placed on electric vessels, with the market for electric ships estimated to hit US$31.48 billion by 2034.

Still, electric vessel adoption today is extremely low, even on urban and coastal waterways, due to their high cost and limited performance.

Candela is committed to accelerating the shift towards a fossil fuel-free maritime future. Besides its game-changing range and speed, the P-12 is engineered to offer similar or lower initial investment costs for operators while boosting profits compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vessels.

With a price tag of €1.7 million (approximately R34 million), the 30-seat Shuttle version of the P-12 is similar in price to comparable-size ICE vessels and is notably more economical than alternative electric options. This affordability is made feasible by the hydrofoil efficiency of the P-12, allowing for an extended range utilising a modest 25-kWh battery. Coupled with an efficient serial production process, this results in industry-leading low overall unit costs.

“With the P-12, we’re not just offering a faster, more comfortable electric alternative to fossil fuel-powered vessels. We enable operators to make the switch to sustainable vessels that are cost-effective and profitable, a crucial step towards clean oceans and lakes,” emphasises Erik Eklund, Candela’s director for commercial vessels.

Once in service, operators can expect “fuel” cost reductions of up to 90% compared to diesel vessels. The C-POD motors (very efficient electric motors inside a torpedo-style pod that hangs below the vessel’s hydrofoil) require minimal servicing, and the vessel is designed for single-crew operation, which further slashes costs.

In total, the P-12 is expected to cut costs per passenger kilometre by up to 50%, achieving a similar operational per-passenger economy as a hybrid electric bus.

A BETTER PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

Candela’s pursuit of innovation extends beyond the hydrofoil system. The tech company’s engineers have reimagined every element of vessel design from maintenance to docking, to provide a superior experience.

Passengers enjoy swift and easy boarding via an extendable, automatic bow ramp, adjustable for docking at quay heights ranging from 0.3 to 1.8m. This versatility enables the P-12 to serve a multitude of routes globally without the need for dock alterations.

Each stop’s turnaround time is under 2 minutes, courtesy of the C-POD motors’ thrust vectoring for nimble manoeuvring—even allowing the vessel to move sideways when required.

Once flying, the digital flight control system compensates for waves, side wind, and current by adjusting the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second, providing a smooth ride free from sea sickness-inducing pitching and slamming. This system, reminiscent of technology found in modern jet fighters, has been developed by Candela’s engineers since 2016 and fine-tuned in the company’s leisure vessels, the C-7 and C-8.