Stockholm’s electric flying ferry has been declared a major success in an official evaluation by the Swedish Transport Administration. The report cites halved journey times, sharply lower emissions and high passenger satisfaction on the route between Ekerö and central Stockholm.
Ferries account for almost half of the region’s public transport emissions. Yet they carry relatively few passengers due to slow journeys and limited departures. To address this, Stockholm introduced the fully electric hydrofoil Candela P-12 into regular SL service on Route 89.
According to the report, travel time fell from 55 minutes to around 30 minutes. Carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 94% compared with diesel vessels. Passenger response was strong. Ridership rose by 22.5%. Ninety-five per cent of passengers rated the service positively, outperforming other city transport modes.
The Chair of the Maritime Transport Committee described the findings as “a paradigm shift for waterborne public transport”.
The Candela P-12 is the first hydrofoiling electric ferry in serial production. It rises above the water on computer-controlled foils, reducing drag and energy use. The vessel operates solely on battery power. It produces small wakes and qualifies for a city speed exemption.
The report measured its wake at 13cm, comparable to a small dinghy. That is significantly less than conventional ferries of similar size.
Noise levels were also low. Sound measurements equated it to a car travelling at 45km/h on summer tyres and barely audible at 25 metres. Unlike many electric ferries, the system requires limited charging infrastructure. The report found lower operating and maintenance costs than diesel equivalents.
Passengers board the electric Candela P-12 ferry in Stockholm as officials and media look on during a public transport trial.
A simulation replacing two diesel ferries with six P-12 vessels projected departures every 15 minutes instead of hourly. Passenger capacity would increase by 150%.
Total socioeconomic benefits were estimated at SEK 119 million (€12 million), with a corresponding reduction in the cost per passenger journey.
“We’re extremely pleased that the official evaluation confirms what passengers and operators have already experienced — that the Candela P-12 can transform urban waterways,” said Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela. He added: “By combining high speed, minimal energy use, and near-zero emissions, we can unlock faster, cleaner and more cost-efficient waterborne transport for cities worldwide.”
The P-12 is in serial production at Candela’s Stockholm factory, with output expected to reach 40 vessels per year. Deliveries to customers in Mumbai, the Maldives, Thailand and Berlin are due to begin in 2026.
