Sweden's Candela is causing waves in the world of waterborne transport. With its new ferry P-30, the company claims to have designed the fastest all-electric passenger vessel ever. Replacing diesel ferries with an electric one not only benefits from increased speed but also contributes to cleaner air and better and healthier environment.
Long range
The P-30 has a length of 12 m and accommodates 30 passengers. It is powered by a pair of 60 kW electric pod drives. The top speed achieved with it is 30 knots; cruising speed is around 20-25 knots. The 180 kW lithium battery on board the ferry guarantees a range of more than 60 nautical miles.
With these specifications, Candela says the P-30 will be the world's fastest long-range electric passenger ferry. The ferry owes that long range to an on-board computer that assesses the boat's pitch and roll tendency a hundred times a second and makes adjustments to the hydrofoils to keep it horizontal and glide flawlessly across the water.
Low energy consumption
This reduces energy consumption by about 80 per cent compared to current fast ferries. At the same time, the boat remains stable and its wake is zero. This allows the P-30 to navigate urban waterways at higher speeds, without causing damage to other vessels or the environment. Increased use of urban waterways eliminates the need for investment in new infrastructure and keeps major cities easily accessible. Testing for the P-30 is expected to start in Stockholm in 2022; the start of commercial operations is planned for 2023.
