Travel along Norway’s stunning coastline is about to change dramatically, as passengers and tourists will soon be able to ride “flying” electric ferries.
Norwegian operator Boreal AS has placed an order with Candela Technology for 20 Candela P-12 vessels, forming the largest fleet of electric hydrofoil ships in the world.
These next-generation ferries are designed to significantly reduce travel times along Norway’s fjord-cut coastline, where water transport plays a vital role in everyday mobility. At the same time, they operate almost silently and produce minimal wake, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive areas.
While Norway is already the global leader in electric vehicle adoption, electrifying high-speed passenger vessels has remained a challenge. Traditional electric ferries often lack the range and speed needed to replace diesel-powered fast ferries operating across deep fjords and vast coastal distances.
The Candela P-12 addresses this gap by combining a cruising speed of up to 25 knots with a range of around 40 nautical miles, enabling fully electric operation on routes previously served only by diesel vessels.
A key innovation lies in its computer-controlled hydrofoils, which lift the vessel above the water at speeds above 18 knots. This reduces drag dramatically, cutting energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional vessels of similar size.
Charging is also simplified: the vessel can be fully recharged in about one hour using standard DC fast chargers, avoiding the need for costly megawatt-scale charging infrastructure.
The first two vessels are expected to be delivered in 2027, with the remaining fleet rolled out annually between 2028 and 2030. This expansion will increase departure frequency and reduce travel times for both residents and tourists.
Passenger comfort is also a major upgrade. The vessel’s digital flight control system continuously adjusts the hydrofoils based on wave conditions, ensuring a smooth ride even in rough seas while maintaining extremely low cabin noise levels.
Recent trials in Stockholm recorded cabin noise levels of just 64 dB — lower than modern trains, aircraft, or conventional ferries — making it one of the quietest high-speed vessels in operation.
According to industry representatives, this project marks a major step forward in zero-emission maritime transport and could set a new global standard for high-speed passenger shipping.
