Norway’s Boreal AS orders 20 Candela electric foiling ferries

“With this investment, we are introducing a completely new generation of fast boats that ‘fly’ over the water surface,” says Boreal CEO Nikolai Knudsmoen Utheim. “The technology with computer-controlled hydrofoils reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional vessels, and opens up electric operation on routes where it has previously not been possible, says Nikolai Knudsmoen Utheim, CEO of Boreal. Norway has long been a world leader in electrification of the car fleet and battery-powered ferries on short routes. However, express ferries—the fast passenger vessels that connect coastal communities over long distances—have been a challenge.

The Candela P-12, however, meets this challenge: it combines a cruising speed of 25 knots with a range of around 40 nautical miles, enabling electric operation on routes previously only served by diesel vessels. Additionally, the large fleet of 20 vessels will provide more frequent departures, and speed up travel times.

The P-12’s unique performance comes from computer-controlled hydrofoils—wings mounted beneath the hull—that lift the vessel above the water at speeds above 18 knots. By flying above the waves, drag is drastically reduced, and energy consumption drops by around 80% compared with conventional vessels of similar size. Already in successful use in Stockholm’s public transport, the P-12 has been hailed as a “game-changer” for transport, combining lower operational costs with low environmental impact. Additionally, the P-12 can fully recharge in an hour using standard DC car fast chargers, avoiding the expensive megawatt-scale charging systems required by conventional electric ferries. The capability was recently demonstrated during a voyage between Sweden and Norway, when the P-12 completed the longest electric sea journey to date, recharging along the route using a mobile battery system transported by a Ford F-150 Lightning pickup.

The first two P-12 vessels will be delivered in 2027 and are planned to enter service on one of several potential routes currently being explored in Norway and abroad. The remaining vessels will follow in yearly batches between 2028 and 2030.

Passengers will also see a major upgrade in comfort. The vessel’s digital flight controller reads wave conditions using sensors and adjusts the hydrofoils in real time, ensuring a smooth ride even in rough seas while keeping cabin noise extremely low.

Recent tests of the P-12 in Stockholm confirmed cabin noise levels of just 64 dB—lower than modern trains, aircraft, or ferries—making it the quietest high-speed vessel in operation.

“Tourists and commuters in Norway will enjoy better service and more frequent departures—free from seasickness, silent, and without the negative impacts of wake and emissions in the unique Norwegian fjords,” says Alexander Sifvert, Candela’s European director. “We’re thrilled to partner with Boreal, whose ambition and leadership are helping drive the electrification of maritime transport. This initiative shows how forward-thinking operators can accelerate the shift to zero-emission travel at sea, while reducing costs.