The novel flying electric Candela P-12 ferry in Stockholm’s public transport system has been declared a major success in the Swedish Transport Administration’s official report. Halved travel times, drastically reduced emissions, very satisfied passengers, and significant economic gains are reported — prompting politicians to declare it a paradigm shift in how urban waterways can be used.

Ferries in Stockholm — dubbed the Venice of the North — account for nearly half of the region's total public transport emissions yet attract relatively few passengers due to slow journeys and limited daily departures.

To address this, the city introduced Candela’s fully electric hydrofoil ferry, the P-12, into regular SL public transport service on Route 89 between the suburb of Ekerö and central Stockholm. According to the newly released report, travel time was reduced from 55 minutes to around 30 minutes, while carbon dioxide emissions were cut by 94% compared to diesel vessels. The vessel was also highly appreciated by passengers.

A PARADIGM SHIFT
In a press release, the Chair of the Maritime Transport Committee describes the results as a paradigm shift for waterborne public transport, demonstrating that services can be made nearly twice as fast while operating almost entirely emission-free.

The hydrofoiling P-12 is the first vessel of its kind in serial production. By “flying” above the water on computer-controlled foils, it dramatically reduces water drag and energy consumption compared to conventional vessels. This enables long range and high speed on battery power alone, while delivering a quiet ride and extremely small wakes — allowing the P-12 to operate at higher speeds within the city under a speed exemption.

According to the report, the P-12’s wakes measure just 13 cm — comparable to a small dinghy with an outboard motor — and significantly smaller than conventional vessels of similar size. The report recommends that future speed limit exemptions be considered to further accelerate waterborne transport in the city.

QUIET AS A CAR ON SUMMER TIRES
Sound measurements showed the P-12 to be as quiet as a car on summer tires traveling at 45 km/h (25 mph), and barely audible from 25 meters away. The only noticeable sound is the gentle splash of water as the foils cut through the surface.

Ridership on the line increased by 22.5%, with the novel experience attracting both commuters and tourists. Ninety-five percent of passengers rated the experience positively, outperforming other modes of transport in the city.

The report also concludes that, unlike conventional electric ferries that require extensive charging infrastructure, the P-12 system combines low infrastructure costs with lower operating and maintenance costs than diesel ferries. A simulation replacing the two current diesel ferries with six P-12 vessels showed that departures could increase to every 15 minutes instead of once per hour, passenger capacity would grow by 150%, and total socioeconomic benefits could reach SEK 119 million (€12 million), while reducing overall cost per ride.

TRANSFORM URBAN WATERWAYS
“We’re extremely pleased that the official evaluation confirms what passengers and operators have already experienced — that the Candela P-12 can transform urban waterways. By combining high speed, minimal energy use, and near-zero emissions, we can unlock faster, cleaner, and more cost-efficient waterborne transport for cities worldwide" says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO.

The P-12 is already in serial production, with Candela’s Stockholm factory ramping up to 40 vessels per year. Deliveries to customers in Mumbai, the Maldives, Thailand, Berlin, and other markets are beginning in 2026.

 Candela P-12 in Public Transport in Stockholm

• Halved travel time: From 55 to approximately 30 minutes on Route 89
• Reduced energy consumption: 66% lower than conventional vessels
• Reduced climate impact: CO₂ emissions decreased by 94% compared to diesel operation
• Highly satisfied passengers: 95% reported a positive or very positive travel experience
• Increased ridership: Passenger numbers increased by 22.5% during the test period
• Reduced noise: Noise levels comparable to a modern car on summer tires at 45 km/h — quieter than any other vessel in service
• Reduced wake: 13 cm wakes measured, significantly smaller than other ferries, prompting recommendations to further expand speed exemptions
• High safety: High speeds within Stockholm city deemed safe, with no incidents or near-incidents reported
• Socioeconomic benefits: A six-vessel P-12 system replacing two large diesel ferries is projected to generate SEK 119 million (€12 million) in socioeconomic benefits through reduced operating costs, time savings, and other factors

Candela Technology AB

• Stockholm-based Candela Technology AB is the world leader in hydrofoiling electric vessels.
• The company was founded in 2014 by engineer and business leader Gustav Hasselskog with the mission to accelerate the world's transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans by developing electric vessels that outperform those powered by fossil fuels.
• Candela's watercraft have wings (hydrofoils) that lift the hull above the water and reduce friction, using 80% less energy than conventional ships at high speed. This technology allows for long-range water travel solely on battery power, a first in the industry.
• Candela's hydrofoils also enable operators to transition to sustainable fleets by providing up to 50% lower operational costs.
• At the heart of Candela's hydrofoil tech stack is the Flight controller, which automatically stabilizes the vessel during flight by regulating the foils, using sensors that gauge wave height and wind speed, among other factors.
• Even in rough weather, passengers experience 90% less g-forces than they would on a traditional boat.
• All Candela vessels are fully connected and receive over-the-air updates.
• After five years of research and development, Candela began producing the world's first electric hydrofoil leisure boat in 2019, the Candela C-7 open "roadster of the seas".
• This was followed in 2022 by the high-volume market Candela C-8, which was delivered to the first customers in spring 2023.
• Over 150 C-8 units have been sold to date, and the vessel has been lauded as a "game changer" by Motorboat and Yachting magazine, winning numerous awards including the 2022 European Powerboat of the Year award for its superior seakeeping, long range, and high speed.
• In 2023, Candela launched its first commercial vessel, the Candela P-12 Shuttle ferry. It is the fastest and longest-range electric ship ever built, with a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 40 nautical miles at 25 knots.
• It is also the most energy-efficient fast ship ever made in its size class. Substantial operational cost savings are expected.
• The first unit entered service in Stockholm's public transport system in 2024. Serial production is underway with over 30 orders to Mumbai, Thailand, Maldives, Berlin and other markets.
•  Candela's two wholly-owned factories in Stockholm, Sweden, produce the Candela C-8 and P-12 vessels. The company has offices in Bangkok and Stockholm.