Candela to supply flying electric...

Landmark deal will see fleet deployed on the Red Sea

The world’s first electric hydrofoil vessels, Candela P-12, will service the planned water network in NEOM, the sustainable development taking shape in Northwest Saudi Arabia.

The landmark deal has seen NEOM procure eight of the shuttle vessels, making it the largest order in Candela’s history.

Candela P-12 launched in 2023 and is set to debut in Stockholm’s public transport during in 2024.

Flying above the waves on computer-guided underwater wings called hydrofoils, the P-12 uses 80% less energy than conventional ships, allowing it to combine long-range and high speed for the first time in an electric vessel.

Candela P-12 Business Class

With a speed of 25 knots and more than two hours of endurance, the Candela P-12 holds the distinction of being the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ferry to date.

The hydrofoils also unlock a new level of comfort. Passengers will fly smoothly over the Red Sea, as the P-12’s digital flight control system balances the ship 100 times per second by adjusting the hydrofoils' angle of attack, keeping it stable even in winds and waves.

In line with NEOM's operational pillars, sustainability is a key feature of the vessels. The electric Candela C-POD motors, located in pods underwater, are "exceptionally quiet", according to manufacturers, creating minimal disturbance for marine wildlife.

When flying, the P-12 creates only a negligible wake, allowing for quicker journeys where conventional vessels are speed-restricted due to their massive and damaging wakes.

"The P-12 is designed to create zero-emission water transport systems which have significant improvements over traditional water commuting,” said CEO and founder of Candela, Gustav Hasselskog.

"We’re extremely proud to provide a vessel system designed with both passengers and the environment in mind. Short waiting times, quick connections, and a very enjoyable experience without taxing the environment with wakes, emissions, and noise will revolutionise how we travel on water.”

The first batch of eight vessels will be delivered between 2025 and early 2026.

For more information, visit www.neom.com

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