NEOM in Saudi Arabia to welcome electric flying ships

NEOM, a futuristic urban project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, It will receive a fleet of electric watercraft that will ferry passengers across the future city. This is the next step towards sustainable urban mobility in the region. NEOM has ordered eight Candela P-12 vessels, the world’s first electric watercraft, to serve the city’s planned water network.

The order from NEOM is the largest in Candela’s history. Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of the company, explains that the P-12 is designed to achieve zero-emission water transportation systems.

The first batch of eight ships is scheduled for delivery in 2025 and early 2026. “We are very proud to offer a ship system designed with passengers and the environment in mind,” said Hasselskog. “Short waiting times, fast connections and a very pleasant experience without burdening the environment with wakes, emissions and noise will revolutionize the way we travel by water.”

leap forward

The Candela P-12 is revolutionizing marine transportation. Using computer-controlled underwater wings, or hydrofoils, these vessels use 80 percent less energy than conventional ships of similar size. Unlike legacy systems of large, slow, energy-inefficient ferries, the Candela P-12 offers a more compact and faster solution. It allows for more frequent departures and faster journeys for passengers.

With a top speed of 25 knots and a range of over two hours, the P-12 is currently the fastest and longest sailing electric passenger vessel. The Candela C-POD electric motors, housed in underwater compartments, operate with minimal noise and disturbance to marine life.

A life cycle assessment from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm shows that the P-12 will emit 97.5 percent less CO2 over its lifetime than a conventional diesel ship of the same size. This is in line with NEOM’s vision for sustainable urban development.

Key points

• NEOM has ordered eight electric watercraft for water transportation.
• The order is the largest in Candela’s history.
• The P-12 uses 80 percent less energy than conventional ships of similar size.
• The ship holds the title of the fastest and longest sailing electric passenger ship.

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