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Eliminating the Drag Coefficient: Candela Scales Commercial Hydrofoil Production
Rethinking Coastal Transport
Commuting across urban waterways traditionally relies on heavy, diesel-burning vessels that generate significant noise and waves. Candela recently gained attention on Euronews for introducing a completely different approach to maritime transit. Operating out of Frihamnen harbor in Stockholm, CEO Gustav Hasselskog showcased the P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry. Capable of carrying 30 passengers, the craft lifts above the surface to eliminate the typical churn associated with waterborne travel.
The Mechanics of Flight
Traditional boats consume massive amounts of energy pushing water out of the way. According to the manufacturer, a smaller boat uses 15 times the fuel of a car per kilometer. To make electric propulsion viable, Candela utilizes carbon fiber hydrofoils. Once the P-12 reaches 17 knots, the hull lifts completely out of the water, allowing it to cruise at 25 knots. This physical separation reduces hydrodynamic drag by up to 85 percent, which drastically cuts energy consumption and operating costs.
Computer-Aided Stability
Keeping a vessel balanced on submerged wings presents a complex physical challenge because the center of gravity sits above the lifting point. Candela resolves this inherent instability through advanced software and sensor arrays. The onboard computers measure the exact position of the boat and adjust the angle of the foil system 100 times per second. This constant recalibration provides an exceptionally smooth ride for passengers, mitigating the risk of seasickness even in choppy conditions.
Scaling the Fleet Model
The operational economics of the P-12 encourage a shift away from massive vessels designed solely for peak hours. Instead of running large, half-empty ships throughout the day, operators can utilize fleets of smaller, nimble crafts. The P-12 charges via a 300 kW DC system, reaching 85 percent capacity in roughly 45 minutes. Because the hydrofoils create virtually zero wake, the ferries do not cause shoreline erosion, which often allows them to bypass urban speed restrictions and significantly reduce travel times.
Global Expansion and Manufacturing
Demand for sustainable transit is driving immediate production increases. While European bureaucratic tendering processes remain slow, Candela has secured the largest electric hydrofoil fleet order to date with a Norwegian contract for twenty ferries, alongside international orders from India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives. To meet this volume, the company plans to expand its workforce to 1,000 employees and open a new manufacturing facility in Poland, maintaining a corporate culture built on solving complex physical problems.
