Maldives operator orders 12 Candela foiling ferries
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In another success for Sweden\u2019s Candela Technology AB, Maldives operator Ego Shuttle <\/a>has ordered twelve Candela P-12 foiling, electric flying ferries.<\/p>\n In 2026, the fleet of revolutionary electric vessels will help the Maldives cut pollution \u2013 while giving tourists a smooth, seasickness-free ride.<\/p>\n The P-12s will address pollution and emissions from the many twin-outboard speedboats that currently power the Maldives tourism industry. These boats typically burn about five liters of gasoline per mile \u2014 15 times more fuel than a bus \u2014 making them one of the country\u2019s largest CO\u2082 emitters. More critically, their large wakes erode corals, while the engine noise disrupts sensitive reef ecosystems and prevents fish from reproducing.<\/p>\n Flying 1.5 meters above the surface at higher speeds than any other electric vessel, the innovative P-12 has been named a \u2018game changer\u2019 for combining long electric range with high speed at sea. Its secret lies in two computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water, reducing energy consumption by a staggering 80% \u2014 enabling the long range needed to shuttle travelers from Mal\u00e9 International Airport to the outer island atolls.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil now, there have been no real options to electrify waterborne transport, as conventional hulls are simply too inefficient to run on battery power,\u201d says Shabir Walji, CEO of Ego Shuttle. \u201cWith the Candela P-12, we finally have a vessel with the range and speed to replace fossil-fuel boats \u2014 while minimizing the impact on this unique environment.\u201d<\/p>\n The P-12 promises a vastly better experience for tourists visiting the Maldives\u2019 many five-star resorts. Today, the transfer from the airport to the atolls is arguably the least enjoyable part of a Maldives holiday. Unlike the quiet comfort of an airplane\u2019s business class, the typical speedboat ride is noisy, bumpy, and notorious for causing seasickness \u2014 something the P-12 eliminates.<\/p>\n The vessel\u2019s onboard Flight Controller \u2014 a computer \u2014 continuously adjusts the angle of the hydrofoils in real time to ensure a smooth and stable journey. The technology works much like the fly-by-wire systems used in modern fighter jets and has been described as a \u201cdigital pill against seasickness.\u201d Additionally, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities including Wi-Fi, entertainment screens, refreshments and snacks, and accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, and of course, charging outlets for various personal devices.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s simply a better experience. The hydrofoil technology is a win-win \u2014 better for passengers and better for the planet. We\u2019re extremely proud to partner with Ego Shuttles to bring our hydrofoil technology to the Maldives, where it will make a lasting impact on one of the world\u2019s most cherished and biodiverse places,\u201d says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela.<\/p>\n The first vessels in Ego\u2019s P-12 fleet will connect Mal\u00e9 with nearby islands, with operations set to begin in 2026. Ego Shuttles will also establish a local logistics and service hub, training Maldivian talent and creating new green jobs.<\/p>\n Although state-of-the-art, the Candela P-12 is already proven in Stockholm\u2019s public transport system<\/a>, where it has earned very high passenger approval for cutting commuting times in half \u2014 thanks to exemptions from city speed limits.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to bring this world-first to the Maldives, supported by the government\u2019s ambitious climate leadership and its commitment to achieving net zero by 2030. Few nations have done more to place sustainability at the heart of development. The Maldives has long been a global voice for climate action, and by adopting the Candela P-12, it shows how even the most vulnerable nations can lead by example,\u201d says Shabir Walji.<\/p>\n With headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Candela employs over 200 engineers, technicians, and production staff. The company develops the entire tech stack, from the C-POD motor to the control system and carbon fiber hulls, in-house. Its two wholly-owned factories in Stockholm produce the Candela C-8 and P-12 vessels.<\/p>\n The post Maldives operator orders 12 Candela foiling ferries<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n