World's first electric "flying" passenger ship unveiled

The world's first fully electric hydrofoil passenger vessel has completed its test run in Sweden. Now, it is set to enter mass production at a factory near Stockholm.

According to a report by Chip, hydrofoil boats possess hydrodynamic lift thanks to foils attached to the stern. As the ship moves through the water, this force not only offsets the ship's weight but also lifts the hull out of the water, reducing drag. This makes it possible to achieve high speeds without using excessive power.

USES 80 PERCENT LESS ENERGY THAN TRADITIONAL SHIPS

Designed by the Swedish technology company Candela Technology AB, the Candela P-12 can reach speeds of 30 knots, with a range of up to 92 kilometers (50 nautical miles), which is considered a record among electric passenger ships.

Much of the ship's performance is due to its hydrofoils, which are wing-like structures mounted on struts beneath the hull. These lift the ship out of the water, significantly reducing friction and allowing the vessel to move faster. Gliding with the help of hydrofoils also makes the ship more energy-efficient, using 80 percent less energy than traditional ships at high speeds.

To ensure a smooth journey, the boat is equipped with sensors on the foils and a computer system that measures wave height and wind speed. The company claims that, as a result, passengers feel 90 percent less gravitational force compared to traditional boats, even in rough weather.

The Shuttle version of the boat, which is just under 12 meters long, has space for 30 passengers as well as bicycles and strollers. The Shuttle model costs 1.7 million Euros, which is roughly the same price as similar boats with internal combustion engines.

Additionally, there is a more luxurious Business version of the boat, which includes a first-class cabin with seating for 12 to 20 passengers.