NEOM to use candela’s electric hydrofoil shuttle ships as water transport around its islands

Candela’s electric hydrofoil shuttle ships P-12 to arrive at NEOM

Candela has announced that NEOM has ordered a fleet of P-12, its high-speed electric hydrofoil shuttle ships, to be used as water transport around the islands of the Saudi Arabian megacity. The Swedish boat manufacturer shared the news on Instagram, confirming that they will supply a fleet of their P-12 electric hydrofoil shuttle ships to NEOM. The deliveries will begin in 2025, in time for the expected construction deadline of the megacity in 2039.

Candela, which has also partnered with Polestar for its C-8 electric boat with hydrofoils painted in gold, describes the P-12 as the world’s first high-speed, long-range electric shuttle ship. If this is the case, it may fit well within NEOM’s Sindalah, the so-called luxury island destination in the Red Sea and part of the megacity. In a LinkedIn post, the NEOM team hints that something is coming to Sindalah. ‘Coming to the Red Sea, our sustainable gateway for the world’s yachting community will feature world-class hospitality and unforgettable experiences,’ the post says. This may indicate that the electric hydrofoil shuttle ships will find their new home on this island.

all images courtesy of Candela

Vessels that can cruise at a speed of 16 knots

NEOM’s LinkedIn post alludes to a ‘world-class yachting club’ on Sindalah Island, the potential home of Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil shuttle ships. The Swedish boat manufacturer’s Instagram post adds that the addition of their zero-emission fleet to the Saudi Arabian project can ‘redefine waterborne transport with frequent departures, high speeds, and low energy costs,’ the technology team writes. The manufacturer also says that NEOM’s fleet order may be their largest one yet, marking a major milestone for the series’ growth.

The P-12 model took its first cruise as a real-life electric hydrofoil shuttle ship back in November 2023. During the test, the vessel cruised at a speed of 16 knots. It reached its designed top speed of 30 knots within 16 seconds as well. It appears to float because of the three carbon fiber wings beneath the hull. With this in mind, the boat manufacturer envisions its product as a modern and faster commuting transport.

Candela has announced that NEOM has ordered a fleet of P-12

Customizable interiors for electric hydrofoil shuttle ships

Clients like NEOM can customize the interiors of the electric hydrofoil shuttle ship. They can transform it into a business space with plush seats. They can also dress it up with a full-out voyager design similar to those found in luxury yachts. The Shuttle version of the electric vessel can accommodate up to 31 passengers at once. The manufacturer also claims that it can reduce commuting times from 55 to 25 minutes (depending on the location and based on their 2023 test). So far, NEOM has yet to announce the arrival of Candela’s P-12 fleet into their project.

P-12 is Candela’s high-speed electric hydrofoil shuttle ship