The world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry has begun operating in Stockholm.
Developed by Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela, the ‘Nova’ uses computer-controlled hydrofoil wings to lift its hull and fly one metre above water. By reducing water friction, the ferry is said to cut energy consumption by 80% compared with traditional vessels.
According to Candela, Nova’s hydrofoil technology makes it the fastest electric ferry in the world and the fastest in Stockholm’s public transport fleet.
“These ferries not only speed up the commute in Stockholm, and will do so elsewhere, but they also cut emissions drastically,” Candela CEO and Co-Founder Gustav Hasselskog told Zag Daily.
“Stockholm’s public transport is largely emission-free except for the city’s vessels which use the bulk of fossil fuels used by the public transport system. They are also very costly to run.”
Requiring no dock infrastructure, the Nova can be charged using a standard car fast charger at Stockholm’s City Hall. In a pilot phase conducted by Candela, Region Stockholm and Trafikverket, the ferry will mirror the timetable of diesel ferries with three departures per day between the Ekerö suburb and Stockholm city.
Using its hydrofoil technology, the Nova creates minimal wake by flying above the water rather than pushing through it. This means the ferry isn’t restricted by wake regulations and can cruise at 25 knots – cutting the time it takes to travel the 15 kilometres between Ekerö and Stockholm centre in half.
“Our hydrofoil technology can revitalise the waterways, again making them vital arteries for city transport.”
Stockholm’s public transport organisation SL is operating its services, and anyone can ride for 42 Sek (€3.62) per journey.
