Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela has introduced the P-12 Voyager, a new flagship model that aims to redefine luxury transportation on the water. Built on the company’s advanced P-12 hydrofoil platform, the vessel combines premium passenger comfort with electric propulsion and cutting-edge foiling technology.
Unlike conventional high-speed passenger boats that generate significant noise, vibration, and wave impact, the Candela P-12 Voyager rises above the water on computer-controlled hydrofoils. The result is an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride that delivers a premium travel experience while significantly improving energy efficiency.
According to Candela, the vessel’s flight control system continuously adjusts the hydrofoils up to 100 times per second, ensuring stability and comfort even in challenging water conditions. This technology greatly reduces motion, vibration, and the jolts typically associated with fast boat travel.
Designed for Luxury and Comfort
The P-12 Voyager is configured to carry up to 12 passengers in a spacious climate-controlled cabin. Large panoramic windows, lounge-style seating, a refreshment area, ample luggage storage, and an onboard restroom create an environment tailored for premium transportation services.
The vessel is particularly suited for airport transfers, luxury resort connections, hospitality services, and executive commuter routes where passenger comfort is a key priority.
Candela’s focus on ride quality extends beyond the interior. The company describes the hydrofoil experience as similar to a “magic carpet ride,” allowing passengers to glide above waves instead of crashing through them.
Quiet Operation and Long Electric Range
When operating on its hydrofoils at speeds of up to 25 knots, the P-12 Voyager maintains cabin noise levels of only 63 decibels. That makes it quieter than many conventional passenger vessels and comparable to the noise levels found in modern rail and premium air travel environments.
The hydrofoil system also delivers substantial efficiency gains. By reducing water resistance, the vessel consumes up to 80% less energy than traditional fast passenger boats. This enables an all-electric range of up to 40 nautical miles, making longer routes viable without relying on fossil fuels.
The combination of efficiency and electric propulsion not only reduces emissions but also lowers operating expenses, providing commercial operators with a compelling business case for fleet electrification.
Fast Charging and Flexible Infrastructure
Candela has designed the P-12 Voyager to integrate with existing charging infrastructure. Using a dual 150 kW CCS charging setup—similar to systems commonly used for electric vehicles—the battery can be recharged from 20% to 80% in approximately one hour.
The vessel’s docking flexibility further simplifies deployment. It can operate from both low jetties and higher quays, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades and enabling easier adoption across a wide range of ports and marinas.
Lower Environmental Impact
In addition to eliminating local tailpipe emissions, the P-12 Voyager minimizes its environmental footprint through ultra-efficient operation. While foiling, the vessel produces only a small wake, helping reduce shoreline erosion and disturbance to nearby communities.
Its low noise levels and fully electric drivetrain also lessen the impact on marine ecosystems while removing the risk of fuel and oil contamination associated with conventional boats.
Expanding the P-12 Family
The Voyager joins Candela’s growing P-12 lineup, which includes the P-12 Shuttle for public transportation services and the P-12 Business variant designed for premium hospitality and corporate transfers.
The P-12 Shuttle is already operating in public service in Stockholm, demonstrating the commercial viability of Candela’s electric hydrofoil technology.
Engineered in Sweden and produced at Candela’s manufacturing facility in Stockholm, the new P-12 Voyager is currently in serial production. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin later in 2026, marking another step forward in the electrification of marine transportation.
As demand for sustainable luxury travel continues to grow, the Candela P-12 Voyager showcases how electric propulsion and hydrofoil technology can transform passenger transport on the water by delivering greater comfort, lower operating costs, and significantly reduced environmental impact.
[source: Candela]
