World’s first electric hydrofoil ferry line takes off in Stockholm

On 29th October, Nova, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry line, departed from its dock.

Nova is the first of Candela’s new P-12 model to enter service. Its computer-controlled hydrofoil wings lift the hull above water, reducing energy consumption by 80 per cent compared to conventional vessels by cutting water friction, wrote the company in a statement.

“Conventional ships haven’t evolved much in 100 years and are among the least energy-efficient transport modes, only rivaled by a battle tank,” says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela.

He added that the challenge with conventional fast vessels is that they consume enormous amounts of energy at high speeds, plowing through the water. This also “makes electrification difficult, as their range is limited even with large batteries.”

Stockholm’s approximately 70 public transport vessels use more fossil fuels than the city’s buses and trains combined, despite representing only a small share of total ridership, the company wrote.

Region Stockholm aims to transition all vessels to renewable energy, with goals to reduce emissions and minimise disruptive wakes.

Candela P-12’s hydrofoil technology is the “key to address these challenges.”

Since Nova flies above the water rather than pushing through it like conventional vessels, it creates minimal wake.

As a result, the ferry is allowed to travel at high speeds within the city limits, where other vessels are restricted by wake regulations. Nova runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity, and emits minimal noise even at high speeds,because of its electric C-POD motors with no mechanical transmission.

Thanks to its hydrofoil technology, Nova is not only the fastest electric ferry in operation in the world but also the fastest in Stockholm’s public transport fleet, cruising at 25 knots—outpacing the diesel-powered V-class ferries that previously held the speed record.

Ekerö, Stockholm’s fastest-growing island suburb, lies just 15km from the city center, but commuting typically takes an hour by traditional ferries, limited by speed restrictions, or by bus/metro and car, subject to rush-hour congestion. By reducing travel times to a half hour, the new hydrofoil line brings Ekerö closer to the capital.

“In many cities, the shortest route is over water, which is humanity’s oldest infrastructure. Today, our waterways are underutilised due to the high costs, wake concerns, and emissions of traditional vessels. If we can unlock this potential, we can make cities more attractive,” said Mr Hasselskog.

With its energy efficiency, Nova is said to not require costly dock infrastructure, charging instead at a regular car fast charger. Its long range also allows it to match the schedule of conventional diesel ferries, by recharging during the typical lunch break.

Nova will operate through fall 2024 until the waters freeze, resuming service in spring and continuing through August 2025. The route is a pilot project run by Candela, Trafikverket, and Region Stockholm, aiming to explore how hydrofoil technology can enable faster, more affordable, and emissions-free maritime travel, creating new transit patterns in Stockholm.

“For the first time, there is a vessel that makes waterborne transport faster, greener, and more affordable than land transport. It’s a renaissance for the world’s waterways, and it’s exciting that Stockholm is leading the way,” said Mr Hasselskog.