The world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, the Candela P-12 “Nova,” has begun service.

Flying silently a meter above the water’s surface, it completed the 15-km route from its dock in the suburb of Tappström to Stockholm’s City Hall in just over 30 min., about half the typical commute time.

For Stockholm—and potentially the world—this may signal a future where city water transport is sustainable, affordable and faster than traveling by car.

Nova is the first of Candela’s new P-12 model to enter service. Its computer-controlled hydrofoil wings lift the hull above water, reducing energy consumption by 80 percent compared to conventional vessels by cutting water friction.

Because Nova flies above the water rather than pushing through it like conventional vessels, it creates minimal wake. As a result, the ferry is allowed to travel at high speeds within the city limits, where other vessels are restricted by wake regulations. Nova runs on 100 percent renewable electricity, and emits minimal noise even at high speeds, thanks to its electric C-POD motors with no mechanical transmission.

Hydrofoil technology enables Nova to be the fastest electric ferry in operation in the world, cruising at 25 kt., outpacing the diesel-powered V-class ferries that previously held the speed record.

Nova will operate through fall 2024 until the waters freeze, resuming service in spring and continuing through August 2025.

The route is a pilot project run by Candela, Trafikverket and Region Stockholm, aiming to explore how hydrofoil technology can enable faster, more affordable and emissions-free maritime travel, creating new transit patterns in Stockholm.

Learn more here.