Stockholm's Flying Ferry Cuts Emissions 94%
Stockholm's new "flying" electric ferry cuts emissions by 94% compared to diesel ferries and nearly halves travel times. The innovative vessel represents how cities are reimagining urban mobility for sustainability and efficiency. The ferry uses hydrofoil technology to "fly" above the water, reducing drag and energy consumption.
The ferry, named the Candela P-12, is the creation of Swedish tech company Candela Technology AB. The first vessel to enter service on Stockholm's public transport network is named "Nova." It operates on Route 89 between the suburb of Ekerö and the city center, a 15km journey. Before the P-12's introduction, ferries on this route accounted for nearly half of the region's total public transport emissions but served a small fraction of commuters due to slow journey times. The new hydrofoil ferry has not only cut the commute from 55 minutes to 30 but has also led to a 22.5% increase in overall passenger numbers on the route during its trial period. The P-12 has a capacity for 30 passengers and space for bicycles and strollers. It reaches a top speed of 30 knots (about 34 mph) and cruises at 25 knots. Its minimal wake, measured at just 13 cm, allows it to maintain high speeds in urban areas where traditional vessels are speed-restricted to prevent shoreline erosion. Developed by Candela, founded by Gustav Hasselskog in 2014, the P-12 is now in serial production at the company's factory in Rotebro. Following the successful pilot in Stockholm, which began in late 2024, Candela has received orders from international markets including the US (Lake Tahoe), New Zealand, and Berlin.
