NEOM partners with Candela for world’s first electric hydrofoil ship network

NEOM, the groundbreaking sustainable development in northwest Saudi Arabia, announced the procurement of eight Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ships to service its planned water transport network. This represents the largest single order in Candela’s history and marks a significant step forward in creating an environmentally friendly and efficient water transport system in the region.

The Candela P-12, known as the world’s first electric hydrofoil ship, is designed to revolutionise water commuting by offering a zero-emission alternative to traditional ferry services. "The P-12 is designed to create zero-emission water transport systems which have significant improvements over traditional water commuting,” said 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.”

The P-12, launched last year and set to debut in Stockholm’s public transport system in fall 2024, is a technological marvel. Flying above the water on computer-guided hydrofoils, it uses 80% less energy than conventional ships, combining long range and high speed. Capable of reaching speeds of 25 knots and maintaining over two hours of endurance, the P-12 is currently the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship in existence.

The hydrofoils not only enhance energy efficiency but also offer a new level of passenger comfort. The P-12’s digital flight control system balances the ship 100 times per second by adjusting the hydrofoils' angle of attack, ensuring a smooth and stable ride even in challenging sea conditions. This feature is expected to make commuting across the Red Sea a seamless experience for NEOM’s residents and visitors.

Environmental considerations were central to the design of the Candela P-12. A life cycle analysis conducted by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm revealed that the P-12 emits 97.5% less CO2 over its lifetime compared to a conventional diesel-powered vessel of the same size. This drastic reduction in emissions is largely due to the P-12’s unparalleled energy efficiency, which minimises the environmental impact associated with fuel consumption. Additionally, the vessel’s underwater C-POD motors are exceptionally quiet, creating minimal disturbance to marine life, and the hydrofoil design reduces wake, allowing for faster travel where conventional ships are speed-restricted.

"We’re extremely proud to provide a vessel system designed with both passengers and the environment in mind," added Hasselskog. "Short waiting times, quick connections, and a very enjoyable experience without taxing the environment with wakes, emissions, and noise will revolutionise how we travel on water."

The first batch of eight Candela P-12 vessels is scheduled for delivery to NEOM in 2025 and early 2026, setting the stage for a new era of sustainable and efficient water transportation in the region.