10 Candela electric flying ferries will service eco-sensitive Thai island

In an agreement signed during Thailand’s recent SX Sustainability Expo, 10 Candela electric flying ferries have been ordered by Thai sea transport company Seudamgo to operate on a route between the mainland and Koh Kood in Trat province.

The Gulf of Thailand is home to such famous and popular islands and beach resorts as Phuket, Samui, Koh Chang and Koh Lipe (Koh means island). Koh Kood is on the eastern side of the Gulf, close to Cambodia, and is often described as Thailand’s most pristine island paradise.

The island has intentionally been kept less developed than the tourist hotspots, but in a somewhat ironical twist, the only boats that do serve Koh Kood are conventional fossil fuel vessels that threaten its delicate marine life, shorelines, and quiet character with noise, large wakes and heavy emissions.

The many benefits of electric hydrofoiling ferries

Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoiling vessels offer a radically different approach. They have unique electric motors with two slim units encased in a torpeedo-shaped pod. The P-12 operates and handles like a traditional catamaran at slow speeds but at about 14 knots (MLES KPH) it rises above the water and flies above the surface on hydrofoil wings that have almost zero water resistance.

A digital Flight Control System is at the heart of the P-12. Using data from sensors that gauge wave height, wind speed, and other factors, it automatically adjust the hydrofoils’ angle of attack in real time to counteract the slamming or pitching found in other vessels. For passengers, flying above the waves means a seasickness-free, whisper-quiet ride in a comfortable cabin

The electric flying ferries use up to 80% less energy than traditional boats, produce zero emissions, and leave virtually no wake or noise. As an added bonus, their batteries can be charged directly from solar power, enabling truly clean and sustainable island transport.

All of these benefits make the P-12 attractive to many different type of transport operators. The environmental aspects are important for New Zealand’s Lake Manapōuri in Fjordland National Park. In Candela’s home town of Stockholm, Sweden,  the P-12s almost halve the the time of water-based commutes because there is no need to slow down in no-wake zones like traditional ferries and water taxis.

Read: Stockholm launches world’s 1st electric hydrofoil ferry service

The company sees enormous potential in Thailand, which has a vast waterborne transport sector both in cities like Bangkok and between its 1,500 islands – many of which rank among the world’s top tourist destinations. Bangkok is home to Candela’s largest office outside Sweden.

Seudamgo’s Surachai Suwanthanakul says “Candela’s P-12 is a game-changer. It represents a truly sustainable vessel – free from emissions, oil spills, and underwater noise – and also offers passengers a superior experience. We are proud and excited to be the first to bring this unique technology to Thailand and South-East Asia.”

With a fleet of P-12’s in operation, Seudamgo will be able to provide frequent daily departures. The 10 vessels will be the upscale Business version of the P-12, featuring premium seating and a spacious, air-conditioned cabin with ample space for 20 passengers and their luggage.

Cruising at 25+ knots (MILE KMP) , the 20-nautical mile route will be covered 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.

“This agreement demonstrates how Thailand can leapfrog directly to sustainable waterborne transport,” said Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela. “By replacing noisy, polluting vessles with our electric flying ferries, Seudamgo is protecting one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations.”

“Thailand is one of the most exciting markets for sustainable water transport,” says Björn Antonsson, Candela’s Regional CEO Asia-Pacific. “Partnering with Seudamgo to introduce the P-12 fleet is a fantastic beginning – we see clean, efficient hydrofoil transport expanding across Thailand and the wider region.”

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