Auckland hosted the New Zealand debut of the Candela C-8, described as the “world’s best-selling electric hydrofoil boat”.
The C-8 was showcased the “cutting-edge technology” behind New Zealand’s first electric foiling ferry, which Candela is set to deliver.
Ferries contribute significantly to Auckland’s transport emissions — something Candela says its technology can help mitigate.
The Candela C-8 — said to be the fastest, longest-range, most silent, and most efficient electric foiling boat on the market — made its debut in New Zealand in conjunction with the Auckland boat show.
Stockholm-based Candela says it is the “global leader in electric hydrofoil vessels, both for leisure and commercial use”.
Since 2016, the company has delivered over 100 vessels. The C-8 has been hailed as a “game changer” thanks to its innovative hydrofoil system, which lifts the hull above water, reducing energy consumption by 80% while enabling long range and high speeds.
The C-8 has set multiple world records, including the first international crossing in an electric boat and the longest distance covered by an electric vessel in a single day — 423 nautical miles.
Flying above the waves, it offers a completely silent ride, thanks to its direct-drive, fully submerged Candela C-Pod motor. It operates without a mechanical transmission, making it maintenance-free while eliminating the need for oil or cooling fluid.
At the heart of the vessel is the flight controller, a digital system that uses a variety of sensors to maintain flight height, pitch, and roll, ensuring a stable ride even in waves and wind.
“It’s an experience like no other. It’s akin to a magic carpet ride—silent, smooth, and stable. You can have a normal conversation with passengers, and since the boat doesn’t roll or pitch, you won’t get seasick,” says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela, who was in Auckland for the launch and to discuss the country’s foiling electric ferry, which Candela is set to deliver.
As announced in 2024, power company Meridian will take delivery of a Candela P-12, the world’s first electric foiling ferry, which was introduced last year.
The 30-passenger P-12 is already in service in Stockholm’s public transport system, where it has been a major success, cutting commute times in half with its 25-knot cruising speed. The vessel has also received an exemption from speed limits in Stockholm’s city centre, as its hydrofoils eliminate wave damage. So far, every departure has been fully booked, and the P-12 has demonstrated a 95% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre compared to conventional ferries.
Designed for efficient mass transport, the P-12 offers easy boarding through a wide bow ramp, accommodating passengers with strollers, bikes, and wheelchairs. Flying above the waves, it delivers a smooth and silent ride while also significantly reducing operational costs, making it an attractive option for operators looking to transition to zero-emission vessels.
Auckland’s ferry network plays a vital role in the city’s public transport system, and as congestion on roads worsens, the need for fast, efficient, and sustainable transport alternatives has never been greater.
But despite carrying only 6% of passengers, ferries today account for 20% of public transport emissions, consuming up to 13 million litres of diesel per year. Traditional ferries are not only carbon-intensive but also costly to operate and maintain, limiting the feasibility of expanding waterborne transport.
Additionally, speed restrictions due to wake generation slow down ferry routes, making them less competitive with road-based commuting.
“New Zealand is a trailblazer in foiling, especially with the America’s Cup, so we are thrilled to deliver the country’s first foiling electric ferry. We believe the P-12 has great potential for transport in Auckland, which is why we’re excited to showcase our technology here,” says Hasselskog.