Revolutionizing Water Transport: Foiling, Electric Ships to be Deployed on the Red Sea

A groundbreaking development is set to revolutionize water transport in the Red Sea as a fleet of foiling, electric ships is poised to be deployed in the region. The Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ship, will be servicing the planned water network in NEOM, the sustainable development project in Northwest Saudi Arabia.

NEOM has placed an initial order for 8 of these innovative shuttle ships, marking the largest order in Candela’s history. The P-12 is designed to provide zero-emission water transport systems that offer significant improvements over traditional water commuting methods.

With the ability to fly above the waves on computer-guided underwater wings, hydrofoils, the Candela P-12 uses 80% less energy than conventional ships, allowing for a combination of long range and high speed in an electric vessel. This groundbreaking technology enables the P-12 to reach speeds of 25 knots and have over 2 hours of endurance, making it the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship to date.

In addition to its impressive speed and range, the P-12 also offers a new level of comfort for passengers. The ship’s digital flight control system adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second, ensuring stability even in challenging conditions such as winds and waves.

Furthermore, the Candela P-12 is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. A life cycle analysis conducted by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that the P-12 emits 97.5% less CO2 during its lifetime compared to a conventional diesel vessel of the same size, thanks to its energy-efficient design.

The electric Candela C-POD motors, located underwater, are exceptionally silent and create minimal disturbance for marine wildlife. The P-12 also produces only a negligible wake when flying, allowing for quicker journeys without the environmental impact of traditional ships.

“We’re extremely proud to provide a vessel system designed with both passengers and the environment in mind. Short waiting times, quick connections, and a very enjoyable experience without taxing the environment with wakes, emissions, and noise will revolutionize how we travel on water,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.

The first batch of 8 Candela P-12 vessels is expected to be delivered in 2025 and early 2026, ushering in a new era of sustainable and efficient water transport in the Red Sea.