In a bid to transform waterborne transport in Bangkok and beyond, Swedish tech company Candela is set to showcase its groundbreaking electric vessels at the Future Mobility Asia Summit in Bangkok this week. With the potential to revolutionize travel times, reduce emissions, and cut costs, Candela’s innovative hydrofoil technology promises to usher in a new era of sustainable transportation.
Despite Bangkok’s extensive network of waterborne transport options, including ferries along the Chao Phraya River, the city still grapples with emissions and pollution from high-speed diesel vessels. Candela’s Regional CEO, Björn Antonsson, highlights the challenges of electrifying conventional fast vessels due to their inefficiency and high energy demands. However, Candela’s vessels, equipped with hydrofoils that lift the hull above water, offer a solution by significantly improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
The star of Candela’s fleet, the P-12 Shuttle ferry, is the world’s first foiling electric ferry. At 25 knots, it utilizes just 10% of the energy required by conventional diesel express boats of similar size, providing operators with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Antonsson emphasizes the transformative experience for passengers, likening the ride to a “magic carpet,” with smooth and quiet travel even at high speeds.
Moreover, Candela’s vessels produce minimal wake, preventing shoreline erosion and minimizing impact on dockside infrastructure and marine life. This feature makes them particularly suited for Thailand’s island archipelagos, where environmental conservation is paramount.
Already adopted in Stockholm and purchased by operators globally, including Berlin and New Zealand, Candela’s vessels offer a glimpse into the future of waterborne transport. With plans to introduce the P-12 to Thai commuters, Candela aims to provide a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional diesel-powered vessels, with the potential to reduce travel times by up to 50%.
As Bangkok continues to integrate road and waterway public transport, electrifying the waterborne fleet could alleviate traffic congestion and reduce overall emissions. Additionally, in Thailand’s pristine island destinations, Candela’s vessels offer a promise of pollution-free travel, safeguarding coastlines and marine ecosystems.
With Candela’s flying electric vessels poised to take flight in Bangkok and beyond, the future of waterborne transport looks cleaner, faster, and more sustainable than ever before.
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