A Swedish-based technology company called Candela has developed a novel solution for the problem of traffic congestion in waterfront cities: an electric hydrofoiling ship that can glide on water without noise or wake. The company claims that its P-12 Shuttle is the world’s first of its kind and that it can offer faster and greener alternatives to fossil fuel-powered boats.
What is a Hydrofoil?
A hydrofoil is a device that lifts a vessel above the water surface, reducing drag and increasing speed and efficiency. Hydrofoils have been used for various types of boats, such as sailboats, ferries, and military vessels, but they usually require high power and complex mechanisms to operate.
Candela has designed a hydrofoil system that is fully electric and uses computer-controlled sensors and actuators to adjust the foils according to the water conditions. The company says that its technology allows the P-12 Shuttle to fly above the waves at speeds up to 30 knots (35 mph) while consuming only 3 kWh per nautical mile, which is equivalent to 0.15 liters (0.04 gallons) of gasoline per nautical mile.
How Can It Benefit Waterfront Cities?
Candela believes that its P-12 Shuttle can transform the way people commute in waterfront cities, such as Washington, New York, San Francisco, Stockholm, and Sydney. The company says that its electric hydrofoiling ship can provide faster transit options and new direct routes that bypass road traffic and bridges.
For instance, in Washington, the Potomac River provides an expedient route through the city. Using the P-12 Shuttle, a water commute from Georgetown to the Ronald Reagan Washington Airport would be a mere 6 minutes, given exemption from speed limits, outpacing both cars (up to 20 minutes) and public transport (37 minutes) during rush hour.
The company also claims that its P-12 Shuttle can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution compared to conventional boats. According to Candela, its electric hydrofoiling ship emits 95% less CO2 than a diesel-powered ferry and is virtually silent when flying above the water.
When Will It Be Available?
Candela plans to showcase its P-12 Shuttle in the U.S. from October 9 to October 15, 2023. The demonstration will commence in Annapolis, Maryland, and then proceed to Washington, where the company hopes to attract interest from potential customers and regulators.
The company says that it has already received orders from several European cities and that it expects to start delivering the first units in 2024. The P-12 Shuttle can carry up to 12 passengers and has a range of 60 nautical miles (69 miles) on a single charge. The price of the electric hydrofoiling ship is not yet disclosed, but Candela says that it will be competitive with other high-end boats.
