Sydney's next electric ferry can fly

Candela P-12, the world's first foiling electric ferry, is already in operation within Stockholm's public waterborne transport system. Now, Candela is bringing this technology to Sydney © Candela

'Flying' electric ships could make Sydney's water transport faster, greener, and far more cost-effective than the diesel ferries currently in use.

Science fiction? Not at all. Swedish tech company Candela is in town to showcase its game-changing hydrofoil vessels—already adopted in several countries.

"If operators overseas and in New Zealand choose foiling vessels, it would be a shame for Sydney to remain stuck with 20th-century technology," says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of Candela.

Sydney's iconic ferry system has long been a vital part of the city's public transport network. However, recent efforts to modernize the fleet have faced significant challenges. The introduction of new ferries with traditional diesel engines falls short of environmental goals, as these vessels continue to emit substantial greenhouse gases. Efforts to replace aging ferries with electric-powered alternatives have also proven difficult, as conventional hull designs consume excessive energy, limiting both range and speed on battery power.

Now, a Swedish company offers a solution: the innovative Candela P-12, the world's first hydrofoil ferry. The P-12 utilizes computer-guided underwater wings, known as hydrofoils, allowing it to 'fly' above the water's surface. This design reduces water resistance, enabling the vessel to achieve cruise speeds of 25 knots while consuming 80% less energy than traditional ferries of the same size. The P-12 can cover distances of 40 nautical miles on a single charge—longer than any other electric ship—making it well-suited for routes across Sydney Harbour. Its capacity to accommodate bicycles and wheelchairs ensures accessibility and convenience for a diverse range of commuters. Moreover, the hydrofoil design minimizes wake generation, preserving shorelines and marine ecosystems.

The P-12's energy efficiency also addresses one of the greatest challenges in waterborne transport: cost. Being considerably cheaper to operate than even the most efficient diesel vessels, it creates a strong business case for new direct routes and more frequent departures.

No Seasickness

Passengers, on the other hand, enjoy a smooth ride above the waves, free from sea sickness-inducing slamming and pitching. The P-12's digital flight controller continuously adjusts the foils in real time to keep the vessel level, ensuring a comfortable and stable journey even in challenging conditions.

"I'm a firm believer that transition can only happen if the new alternative is better than the old. With the P-12, you make money instead of losing it. In other countries, we've seen that repowering conventional vessels with batteries becomes hugely expensive, especially in terms of charging infrastructure," says Gustav Hasselskog, who is in town to demonstrate the benefits of his vessels.

Cutting Commute Times in Half

Candela's P-12 Shuttle has already demonstrated success in public transport overseas. Operators in countries from New Zealand to the U.S. have purchased the vessel. In Stockholm's public transport network, the first P-12 line was launched in October 2024, offering a 30-minute commute from the suburb of Ekerö to the city center—effectively halving the travel time compared to traditional diesel ferries. The flying ship received an exemption from speed limits as it does not create harmful wake. This service has been well received, with every departure fully booked, and has cut CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by an impressive 95%.

Notably, the P-12 line in Stockholm is operated by Transdev, the same company that runs Sydney's ferries.

"We think Sydney deserves faster, more sustainable, and more cost-effective waterborne transport. Once you try electric hydrofoiling, it's an eye-opener, says Gustav Hasselskog.

Candela will now demonstrate the benefits of its foiling technology for members of the press—on the water during the Sydney Harbour Concours d'Élégance (March 2-4) and on land during the Everything Electric Show (March 7-9).

Candela is represented in Australia by Carbon yachts.