Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project is set to revolutionize urban mobility with the introduction of a fleet of electric hydrofoil ships. The futuristic city has placed an order for eight Candela P-12 vessels, marking the largest order in the history of the Swedish company Candela. These groundbreaking vessels promise to transform maritime transport with their zero-emission technology and advanced hydrofoil design.
The Candela P-12, which will debut in Stockholm’s public transport system in fall 2024, is designed to offer significant environmental and efficiency improvements over traditional ferries. Utilizing computer-guided underwater wings, or hydrofoils, the P-12 consumes 80 percent less energy than conventional ships of similar size. With a top speed of 25 knots and a range exceeding two hours, the P-12 holds the title for the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship currently available.
Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela, highlighted the vessel’s innovations: “The P-12 is engineered to create zero-emission water transport systems with considerable advancements over traditional commuting methods. Unlike large, slow, and energy-inefficient conventional ferries, the Candela P-12 is smaller, faster, and more frequent in its departures.”
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A life cycle analysis conducted by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm revealed that the P-12 emits 97.5 percent less CO2 compared to diesel-powered vessels of the same size. This aligns seamlessly with NEOM’s vision of sustainable urban development. The electric motors, housed in underwater pods, operate with minimal noise, reducing disturbance to marine wildlife and ensuring a smoother ride for passengers.
The advanced hydrofoil technology employed in the P-12 offers enhanced passenger comfort by stabilizing the vessel even in challenging weather conditions. The vessel’s digital flight control system adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second, maintaining stability and reducing the impact of winds and waves.
Scheduled for delivery in 2025 and early 2026, the Candela P-12 fleet will significantly impact commuting times within NEOM’s expansive urban layout. With short waiting times and quick connections, the hydrofoil ships will play a pivotal role in NEOM’s innovative transportation network, which also includes plans for autonomous vehicles and other cutting-edge transport solutions.
Al Arabiya English previously reported that NEOM is progressing rapidly with its development, employing over 140,000 construction workers across key regions such as THE LINE, Oxagon, Sindalah, and Trojena. The introduction of the Candela P-12 vessels further underscores NEOM’s commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient urban solutions, setting new standards for water-based transport.
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