Swedish electric boat maker Candela and Thai operator Seudamgo entered an agreement for 10 Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries to initially operate on the route between the mainland and Koh Kood in Trat province.
Koh Kood, often described as Thailand’s most pristine island paradise, has been intentionally kept less developed than tourist hotspots such as Phuket or Koh Samui. Yet access to this unique destination has relied on conventional gasoline-powered speedboats – vessels that generate noise, large damaging wakes, and heavy emissions, threatening marine life, shorelines, and the quiet character of the island.
In a landmark agreement signed during the SX Sustainability Expo – South-East Asia’s largest of its kind – Candela and Seudamgo confirmed the latter will take delivery of 10 Candela P-12 hydrofoil ferries for operations in Thailand. The ceremony was witnessed by the Governor of Trat, representatives from the Ministry of Transport, and the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok.
Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil vessels offer a radically different approach than traditional fast ferries and speedboats. Flying above the water on underwater wings, they use up to 80% less energy than traditional boats, produce zero emissions, and leave virtually no wake or noise. With the ability to charge directly from solar power, they enable truly clean and sustainable island transport.
With a fleet of P-12’s in operation, Seudamgo will be able to provide frequent daily departures while dramatically improving the passenger experience: a seasickness-free, whisper-quiet ride in a comfortable cabin, as the P-12 benefits from its digital Flight control system, a computer which automatically adjust the hydrofoils angle of attack in real time to counteract the slamming or pitching found in other vessels.
The 10 vessels will be the upscale Business version of P-12, featuring premium seating and a spacious, airy interior for 20 passengers, along with ample luggage capacity. Cruising at 25+ knots, the vessels will cover the 20-nautical mile route in just 40 minutes.
Most importantly, the new fleet will help preserve the region’s pristine environment, ensuring that tourism growth can continue without sacrificing the island’s unique natural beauty.
Thailand is home to Candela’s largest office outside Sweden, located in Bangkok, and is a key market for the Swedish electromobility company thanks to its vast waterborne transport sector and more than 1,500 islands – many of which rank among the world’s top tourist destinations.
