Swedish company Candela has launched its P-12 Nova, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, into service in Stockholm, marking a major step for sustainable maritime travel. The ferry made its debut journey on October 29, covering a 15-kilometer route from Tappström to Stockholm’s City Hall in 30 minutes, reducing the typical commute time by half. Nova will operate through fall 2024 until the waters freeze, resuming in spring and continuing until August 2025 as part of a pilot project with Trafikverket and Region Stockholm (SL) to test the potential of hydrofoil technology for faster, eco-friendly travel. The ferry’s hydrofoil wings lift it above water, cutting energy use by 80% and allowing speeds up to 25 knots, faster than any other vessel in Stockholm’s public transit fleet. Powered entirely by renewable electricity, Nova is also nearly silent, creating minimal environmental impact with reduced wake and noise.
