Electrical operation. – Together with the Swedish Transport Administration and Region Stockholm, we are conducting a pilot study, says Brigitte Junker, global sales at Candela Technology.
Boat manufacturer Candela Technology has focused on electric propulsion and hydrofoil technology, which lifts the hull and allows it to travel above the water surface, conserving energy and reducing the risk of wobbly rides. The C2B2 team took a trip to Frihamnen in Stockholm to experience one of their boat models.
The P-12 model – where “P” stands for professional and “12” indicates its length in meters – is designed for commuter traffic and similar uses, particularly in water-rich metropolitan areas like Stockholm or Gothenburg. The boat boasts a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 40 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots, accommodating up to 30 passengers.
Reduced Risk of Seasickness
When the P-12 accelerates, it lifts onto its hydrofoil construction, a technology that Candela claims reduces energy consumption by up to 80 percent. Another advantage of hydrofoil technology is the stability it offers, which is beneficial for commuters prone to seasickness. The initiative is backed by venture capital firm EQT.
– It was an exciting ride with an exciting product. We’re really glad that Candela took the time to take us on a journey. We had a little sightseeing tour around Värtahamnen and out towards Fjäderholmarna, says Torsten Linders, program manager at C2B2.
Candela’s smaller leisure boats are called the C-series, where “C” stands for consumer. These vessels share the same battery pack as Polestar’s electric cars. However, the P-12 features a more powerful solution with 252 kilowatt-hours from Austrian company Kreisel, which specializes in marine applications and construction vehicles. When the batteries are discharged, they require 75 minutes to recharge to 100 percent. But they can reach 80 percent in less than an hour.
For Candela Technology, the type of boat trips that C2B2 experienced is part of their effort to raise awareness among potential customers and decision-makers about their offerings.
– I found it interesting to engage with a group representing various disciplines. It’s always rewarding to meet people from different backgrounds than those we usually encounter. I received many intriguing questions that I hadn’t heard before, says Brigitte Junker, global sales manager at Candela Technology, who guided the C2B2 team during their visit.
More Efficient Public Transport
According to Brigitte Junker, several benefits of Candela’s hydrofoil technology align with factors that the C2B2 research program is monitoring in its efforts to develop strategies for a sustainable blue economy.
– In addition to being emission-free, our boats are also free of surge waves, which reduces water turbidity and erosion along coastlines. Furthermore, there’s less noise in the aquatic environment.
Another potential of this technology is to create faster and more efficient public transport in urban areas with abundant water bodies.
– Together with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and Region Stockholm, we are currently conducting a pilot study on the route between Ekerö and Klara Mälarstrand.
The hope is to demonstrate that they can reduce travel times for waterborne public transport.
– On certain routes, we could halve travel times, says Brigitte Junker.
Facts: Candela Technology
Founded in 2014, Candela Technology employs 114 people and is headquartered in Frihamnen, Stockholm. Main owner is the investment firm EQT. The starting price for a P-12 model, suitable for commuter traffic, is currently €2.5 million, though prices fluctuate with inflation and currency rates. Those interested in a leisure boat from Candela can expect a starting price of €330,000. The boats are manufactured in Rotebro, Sollentuna.
