Candela unveils low-energy use water shuttle as hydrofoil
Candela has unveiled the design of its P-12 Shuttle scheduled for tests in Stockholm’s public transport system next year. The hydrofoil claims a top speed of 30 knots (55.5kph) and extremely low energy use.
So low, Candela says the P-12 consumes only 0.1 kWh of electricity per passenger and kilometre. The 12-metre electric hydrofoil offers seating for 30 passengers.
Candela boasts not only the vessel’s exceptionally low energy usage but also its time and environmental advantages over other transport modes in the region. The City of Stockholm is supporting the tests that will run for nine months starting in 2023. The shuttle will then serve between the sprawling Stockholm suburb of Ekerö and the city centre.
As Candela explains, the fully electric hydrofoil ferry is meant to reduce the travel time between Stockholm’s city centre and the suburb of Ekerö from 55 to 25 minutes – which should be particularly attractive for commuters, as the journey time is shorter than by car or metro.
Two electric motors provide 88 kW of power, the battery has a capacity of 180 kWh and can be charged with up to 200 kW. The Swedish company gives the range as around 50 nautical miles (93 km) at 25 knots (46 km/h).
At its core, the P-12 Shuttle is an enlarged version of the Candela P-12 launched last year that is 8.5 metres long and can carry up to twelve passengers. While the smaller P-12 is to be used as a kind of water taxi “on-demand”, the new P-12 Shuttle is designed as part of the public transport system and is to be used in regular service.
The P-12 Shuttle’s low energy use is made possible by the three carbon fibre wings that extend under the fuselage. These active wings enable the ship to lift itself above the water during the journey, which enormously reduces the flow resistance of the hull. This also means waves are not created and therefore does not damage waterway embankments or disturb other vessels. The City of Stockholm has granted the P-12 Shuttle an exemption so that it is permitted to travel faster than 12 knots.
The region in and around the Swedish capital is full of waterways. Looking at the map, it’s not hard to see how these provide more direct routes in the city and regional routes. Potentially, with many of the world’s cities built on or near waterways, this vessel may significantly diversify the vehicular landscape in cities.
Candela says that advanced, computer-stabilized hydrofoils ensure a silent, smooth and safe journey and sees it functioning in other transit environments: “Flying with Candela P-12 will feel like travelling on a modern express train, even on open water and in adverse weather conditions.”
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